HEAVENLY CREATURES
Screenplay by
FRANCES WALSH AND PETER JACKSON
Illustrated by
PAUL HAMLYN
PROLOGUE:
Newsreel footage of Christchurch circa 1954.
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - LATE AFTERNOON CAMERA CRASHES out of
bush and races up a dark bushy track.
CLOSE ON . . . two pairs of feet running up the track, slipping in the
mud . . . desperate.
WIDE SHOT . . . reveals TWO GIRLS running up the track, distraught.
JULIET HULME: nearly 16 - tall, blond and willowy,
and
PAULINE RIEPER: 16 - dark-haired, shorter and stockier than Juliet.
It is 1954. Both girls are dressed in overcoats on a chilly winter day.
They slip and stumble on the dirt track that winds up the steep
Victoria Park hillside. Thick vegetation and overhanging trees give the
path a tunnel-like feeling.
CUT TO:
EXT. OCEANLINER'S DECK - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
Pauline and Juliet running . . . this time they are happy, in holiday
clothing, weaving around OTHER PASSENGERS as they race along the deck
of an oceanliner.
INTERCUT BETWEEN:
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - LATE AFTERNOON Pauline and Juliet
desperately scrambling up the track.
AND
EXT. OCEANLINER S DECK - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
Pauline and Juliet happily bounding along the ships deck.
They push past a group of PASSENGERS. Juliet waves and calls out.
JULIET
Mummy!
The PACE of the INTERCUTTING between TRACK and SHIP, COLOUR and BLACK &
WHITE, increases in rhythm.
Pauline and Juliet run up toward a MAN and WOMAN (HENRY and HILDA) on
the deck.
JULIET
Mummy!
PAULINE
Mummy!
CAMERA RUSHES toward Hilda and Henry (not seen clearly) as they turn to
greet the two girls:
CRASH CUT:
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/TEAROOMS - DAYAGNES RITCHIE, proprietor of the
tearooms at the top of Victoria Park, comes rushing down the steps
toward CAMERA . . . her face alarmed.
PAULINE
(O.S.) (Panicked) It's Mummy!
Pauline and Juliet rush into CLOSE-UP . . . panting heavily. For the
first time we realise their clothes, and Pauline's face, are splattered
with blood.
PAULINE
(Panicked) She's terribly hurt . . .
JULIET
(Hysterical) Somebody's got to help us!
CUT TO:
SUPERTITLES ON BLACK:
During 1953 and 1954 Pauline Yvonne Parker kept diaries recording her
friendship with Juliet Marion Hulme. This is their story. All diary
entries are in Pauline's own words.
INT. CHRISTCHURCH GIRLS' HIGH - FOYER - MORNING MUSIC: "Just a Closer
Walk With Thee," sung by a HUNDRED SCHOOLGIRLS.
The school crest "Sapienta et Veritas" embossed in the lino just inside
the entrance.
Lisle-stockinged schoolgirl legs carefully walk around the crest . . .
TRACK along with the schoolgirl legs.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL BUILDING/CRANMER SQUARE - MORNING HYMN CONTINUES
OVER:TRACKING . . . with a row of schoolgirl legs, marching in a
crocodile line across Cranmer Square.
CRANE UP . . . to reveal CHRISTCHURCH GIRLS' HIGH.
SUPER: "Christchurch Girls' High, 1952"
CREDITS BEGIN . . . GROUPS OF GIRLS, in heavy, pleated, over-the-knee
school uniforms, wearing hats, gloves and blazers, flock through the
school grounds.
MISS STEWART, the headmistress, stands by the rear entrance, scanning
girls' uniforms as they enter.
EXT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/BACK GARDEN - MORNINGCLOSE ON . . . Pauline
Rieper's legs as she tries to hitch up her baggy stockings. She hops
over a fence and hurries toward the school, which backs onto the
Riepers' garden.
She carries a boy's-style school bag on her shoulder and walks with a
slight limp.
EXT. CHRISTCHURCH STREETS - MORNINGTRACKING . . . LOW ANGLE with the
Hulme car coming toward CAMERA.
INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MORNINGTRACKING . . . with Pauline's striding
feet down a crowded school corridor. CRANE UP . . . as she walks toward
CAMERA. In contrast to the other girls, she is introspective and
gruffly acknowledges her classmates.
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALL - MORNINGThe ornate wooden ceiling of the
assembly hall. TILT DOWN . . . to a sea of schoolgirls singing the last
verse of the hymn. Miss Stewart and the STAFF are standing on the
stage, singing.
LONG LENS into the crowd . . . Pauline is not participating in the
hymn. Her eyes look about uninterestedly.
ZOOM IN . . . on Miss Stewart glaring straight at CAMERA.
Pauline mouths the last couple of words.
The hymn finishes.
MISS STEWART
Sit!
Everybody sits.
EXT. CHRISTCHURCH GIRLS' HIGH/CRANMER SQUARE - MORNINGThe Hulmes' car
pulls up outside the school.
CREDITS END
WIDE SHOT . . . Juliet Hulme gets out of the car, followed by her
father, HENRY. They walk into the school.
CUT TO INT.
SCHOOL FRENCH CLASS - MORNINGClass 3A are in the midst of a French
lesson. All the class have name cards hanging around their necks
denoting their chosen "French name." MISS WALLER gestures at a screed
of subjugated verbs scrawled on the blackboard.
MISS WALLER The imperfect subjunctive, like the imperfect indicative,
indicates action in the past. "II voulait qu'elle lui donnat de
l'argent." Translate, somebody . . . quickly!
A SCHOOLGIRL - LAURA - blurts out from the front of the class.
LAURA
"He wanted her to give him some money."
MISS WALLER
(Angry) Put your hand up! I will not have girls talking out of turn in
my class!
The door opens and Miss Stewart brings Juliet into the room.
The presence of the headmistress causes the class to stand up.
MISS STEWART
Good morning, gels.
CLASS (In Unison) Good morning, Miss Stewart.
The class sit.
MISS STEWART
Miss Waller . . . class . . . this is Juliet Hulme. Juliet is joining
us from St. Margaret's, and prior to that she spent some time at
Queenswood in the Hawkes Bay.
Juliet looks at Miss Stewart haughtily.
JULIET
I am actually from England, Miss Stewart.
MISS STEWART
Of course . . . Juliet's father is Dr. Hulme, the Rector of the
University.
Miss Waller looks impressed. Pauline is quietly drawing horses at the
back of the class.
MISS STEWART
Juliet's travelled all over the world, and I'm sure she'll be very
eager to share her impressions of exotic lands across the seas with the
gels of 3A. I'll leave you to it, Miss Waller. Juliet.
Miss Stewart leaves. Miss Waller smiles at Juliet.
MISS WALLER
You can sit over here, Juliet.
Miss Waller gestures to a desk at the front. She gives Juliet a
cardboard name card.
MISS WALLER
We use French names in this class. You can choose your own.
Miss Waller returns to the blackboard and starts writing.
MISS WALLER
Now, irregular verbs in the present subjunctive. . . "qu'il vienne". .
.
JULIET
Excuse me, Miss Waller . . . you've made a mistake.
Miss Waller turns to Juliet-who now has the name "Antoinette" hanging
around her neck.
JULIET
"Je doutais qu'il vienne" is in fact the spoken subjunctive.
MISS WALLER
It is customary to stand when addressing a teacher . . . "Antoinette."
Juliet stands.
JULIET
You should have written "vint."
Miss Waller frowns, glances at the board, and hastily rubs out the
offending word.
MISS WALLER
(Embarrassed mumble) Oh! I must have copied it incorrectly from my
notes.
Juliet stands again.
JULIET
You don't have to apologise, Miss Waller. I found it frightfully
difficult myself . . . until I got the hang of it.
Miss Waller turns to Juliet, her face clouded with anger. The class
looks terrified.
MISS WALLER
(Icily) Thank you, Juliet. Open your text-book to page 17.
Pauline is smirking.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL ART CLASS - DAY
The teacher, MRS. COLLINS, comes in, carrying a pile of paper and a box
of paints. She starts to distribute them around the tables.
MRS. COLLINS
Right, I thought we'd do some life drawing today. Pair off into twos
and decide who wants to model and who wants to draw.
The girls around Juliet turn to each other, seemingly eager not to be
partnered with her. They pair off and Juliet is left alone.
MRS. COLLINS
Oh, Juliet. . . you haven't got a partner.
JULIET
That s all right, Mrs. Collins. I'm sure I can manage without one.
Mrs. Collins scans the class.
MRS. COLLINS
Pauline . . . are you with anybody?
Pauline shakes her head.
MRS. COLLINS
Good! You can come here and pair up with Juliet.
Pauline reluctantly comes up to Juliet's table.
SERIES of SHOTS showing VARIOUS GIRLS sketching their partners. Most of
the posing girls are seated in contrived positions with rigid grins on
their faces. Mrs. Collins patrols the class, commenting to different
girls.
MRS. COLLINS
You might want to change the colour- make it a bit darker . . . that's
very nice, Joan.
PULL BACK. . . to reveal Pauline's "pose" . . . slumped in the chair,
arms crossed, a sullen look on her face. She stares intently at Juliet,
who is drawing furiously . . . but doesn't refer to Pauline at all.
MRS. COLLINS
Good heavens, Juliet! What on earth is this???
Mrs. Collins picks up Juliet's drawing. It features an armoured knight
on horseback, fighting a dragon.
JULIET
St. George and the Dragon.
Mrs. Collins studies the detail in the drawing.
MRS. COLLINS
Where's Pauline?
JULIET
Oh, I haven't gotten around to drawing her yet. I was going to pop her
on a rock, but I seem to have run out room.
Juliet glances at Pauline.
JULIET
Sorry! I don't know if you've noticed, Mrs. Collin but I've actually
drawn St. George in the likeness of world's greatest tenor-Mario Lanza!
MRS. COLLINS
Yes, I know it's very clever, Juliet, but when I set you a topic, I
expect you to follow it. Now put that down and start again!
Mrs. Collins moves on. Juliet looks up at Pauline rather grumpily.
Pauline leans forward, an intense look on face . . .
PAULINE
(Whispers) I think your drawing's fantastic!
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/KITCHEN - EVENINGCLOSE-UP . . . a newspaper is
unwrapped, revealing couple of fresh fish.
HONORA RIEPER is standing at her sink bench. She is 43 years old. Dark
hair, going gray. A middle-aged woman with a kind face.
Her husband, HERBERT, has just arrived home and is taking off his coat,
looking at the mail, etc. He is nearly 60 . . . 15 years older than
Honora.
The Riepers' house is clean and tidy. They are a low middle-class
family on a modest income.
HONORA
Oh! . . . Mackerel. We'll have them for lunch tomorrow.
Herbert comes up behind Honora, gives her a peck on cheek and puts his
hand on her bum.
HERBERT
Let's have 'em now, while they're fresh, eh, Nora?
HONORA
playfully shoves his hand away.
HONORA
I'll think you'll find our Mr. Bayliss is not keen on seafood. I've got
lamb chops in the 'frigerator.
HERBERT
sighs as HONORA puts the frying pan on the stove.
young student boarder, STEVE BAYLISS, appears in doorway, nervously
clutching a record.
STEVE
Excuse me . . . would you mind if I put my long-playing record on?
HERBERT
You're partial to a nice bit of mackerel, aren't you, STEVE?
STEVE
Well . . . actually, I'm not much of a fish man, Mr. Rieper.
HONORA
glances at his album.
HONORA
You have been splashing out!
STEVE
Oh! . . . I've got my board money . . .
STEVE
starts fishing in his pockets.
At this moment . . . Pauline comes into the kitchen, through back door.
She strides past Honora, HERBERT and STEVE
.
PAULINE
(Brightly) Hello!
HONORA
Well? Tell us! How'd it go?
Pauline disappears into the lounge.
PAULINE
(O.S.) (Calling) Got an A, Mum!
HONORA
glows with pride. STEVE is emptying his pockets on the bench. HONORA
pats STEVE's hand.
HONORA
Don't worry about it now. We'll sort it out after dinner. You go put
your record on.
HERBERT
Doris Day!
STEVE
I think she's very talented!
INT. RIEPERS'HOUSE/LOUNGE - EVENINGCLOSE-UP. . . gramophone needle
drops onto a record.
FAST PULL-BACK . . . from the speaker as the opening notes of "Be My
Love" by Mario Lanza burst out. Records from the cabinet lie scattered
on the floor. Pauline is clutching a Mario Lanza album.
STEVE backs toward the hallway door, holding his Doris Day album
forlornly.
HERBERT chuckles at him through the kitchen doorway.
HERBERT
(Laughing) Ya gotta be quick in this house, mate!
Pauline stares misty-eyed at the album cover. HERBERT
calls out.
HERBERT
(O.S.) (Tongue in cheek) Hey! Isn't it that Irish singer . . . Murray
O' Lanza?
PAULINE
(annoyed) He's Italian, Dad! The world's greatest tenor!
Mario Lanza starts singing . . . HERBERT comes into the lounge, miming
the song with a limp fish. He gesticulates a grand operatic fashion.
PAULINE
Stop it! You're spoiling it! Go away!
She pushes HERBERT out of the room, into the kitchen.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY
It is the Phys Ed period and the 31 other girls of 3A are lying on
their backs in the quad doing leg stretches to tinny music. MRS.
ZWARTZ, the teacher, is patrolling the rows of flexing bodies.
MRS. ZWARTZ Left, right . . . Ieft, right . . . one and two and one and
. . .
Pauline and Juliet are sidelined on a bench. Pauline is writing in a
textbook. She notices Juliet glancing at her leg. Juliet moves closer.
JULIET
Can I have another look?
Pauline purses her lips and quickly pushes her left stocking down . . .
She has a large ugly scar running up her left shin, from ankle to knee.
JULIET
That's so impressive!
Pauline does not look convinced.
JULIET
(Conspiratorial) I've got scars . . . they're on my lungs.
Pauline looks surprised.
JULIET
I was in bed for months during the war, ravaged by respiratory illness.
CUT TO:
INSERT:
INT. ENGLISH HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHTLittle 5-YEAR-OLD JULIET, alone in
her hospital bed, coughing and looking miserable.
JULIET
(V.0.) Mummy and Daddy sent me to the Bahamas to recuperate. I didn't
see them for five years-but we're together now and Mummy's promised
they'll never leave me again.
INSERT:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHTPULL BACK from little 5-YEAR-OLD PAULINE. She
is lying in bed with a younger HERBERT
and HONORA
standing over her, looking very concerned.
PAULINE
(V.0.) I spent ages in hospital, too . . . with my leg. I had to have
all these operations.
EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY
PAULINE
Osteomyelitus turns your bones to chalk. It took them two years to
drain all the muck out.
Pauline looks despondently at her leg.
JULIET
Cheer up! All the best people have bad chests and bone diseases! It's
all frightfully romantic!
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAYPauline is furiously pedalling her bicycle along
a country road.
EXT. ILAM/DRIVEWAY - DAYLOW ANGLE . . . a tree-lined driveway.
Pauline rides her bicycle up the drive. She pauses, wide-eyed.
PAN TO . . . ILAM - a large stately house, set amongst beautiful
gardens . . .
Pauline puts her bike on its stand. She pulls the Mario Lanza album out
of her bicycle bag.
Pauline is about to approach the house when she glances across the
garden, and is transfixed by an enchanting sight:
Juliet on a sunlit bridge that spans the Ilam stream. She is wearing a
shredded chiffon dress, with a Christmas tinsel crown and a necklace
made from tinfoil. Sunlight filters through the trees, lending Juliet a
magical quality. She's casting flowers onto the water. Pauline stands
transfixed. Juliet sees her and smiles.
JULIET
Hi, Paul!
SUDDENLY! . . . an 8-year-old boy - JONATHON HULME - comes charging out
of the bushes and lays into Juliet with a wooden sword. He is dressed
in a "prince's" costume.
JULIET
0www!
Jonathon runs away. Juliet gives chase, yelling to Pauline.
JULIET
The evil Prince Runnymeade is escaping! Get him, Paul!
Pauline joins in the chase after Jonathon, careening through garden and
bushes.
Juliet and Pauline lose sight of Jonathon. They pause in a clearing,
catching their breath.
JULIET
The blighter's gone to ground!
JONATHON Yaaaa!
Jonathon drops from a tree, onto Pauline, sending, her sprawling. He
whacks her on the bottom with his wooden sword.
JULIET
God! Jonty! Jonty-stop it! Go away! We're not playing anymore . . . go
on, bugger off!
Jonathon pokes his tongue at Juliet, turns and runs away.
Juliet offers her hand and pulls Pauline up. She pauses, a look of
shock on her face . . .
The Mario Lanza record lies broken on the ground. Pauline looks
distraught.
JULIET
0h, God . . . I'm so sorry!
PAULINE
(Upset) It doesn't matter.
JULIET
Of course it matters! It's Mario!
I NT. ILAM/LOUNGE - DAYCLOSE ON . . . HENRY HULME - a 44-year-old
bespectacled academic. He is sniffing, with a disdainful look on his
face. He pulls a packet of mouldy sandwiches his jacket pocket.
HENRY What on earth are these?
HILDA HULME, elegant, 36 years old, is setting down a tray of tea on a
small table.
HILDA They're egg and salmon sandwiches . . . I gave them to you
several days ago.
HENRY I thought I could smell sulphur.
HILDA God, Henry! You're hopeless! You can't be trusted with something
as simple as lunch.
JULIET
(O.S.) Mother!
Hilda looks up as Juliet bursts into the room from the garden, followed
by Pauline. Hilda smiles at Pauline.
HILDA Hello . . .
JULIET
Jonty broke Paul's record!
HILDA Oh, dear!
JULIET
We must buy her another one!
Juliet drops to the floor, hauling records out of the radiogram
cabinet.
Pauline looks around, taking in the sumptuousness of her surroundings:
ornate fireplace, paintings, antique furniture.
HILDA Would you like a cup of tea . . . Paul?
PAULINE
No, thank you.
HILDA Well, Juliet's told us all about you. I hear you're fond of
opera.
Before Pauline can reply, Juliet fans Mario Lanza albums across the
floor.
JULIET
Which one shall we play?
Pauline shrugs awkwardly. Henry looks up from his papers, rather
annoyed at this intrusion. Pauline notices a row of beautifully
sculpted Plasticine horses adorning the mantelpiece.
Juliet puts a record on the turntable.
HILDA Juliet . . . your father's trying to study.
JULIET
Daddy can study while we're playing records!
HENRY Why don't you go back outside, mmm? I'll be finished soon.
The record drops on the turntable. The arm swings across.
Henry and Hilda glance at each other. Henry silently gathers up his
papers and leaves the room.
The needle drops and Mario Lanza's rendition of "The Donkey Serenade"
booms into the room.
SWIRLING CAMERA as Juliet takes Pauline's hand and whirls her around,
leading her into . . .
INT. ILAM HALLWAY - DAY. . . the hallway, laughing and singing. Pauline
stares wide-eyed as the wood paneling, carved sideboard and curved
staircase flash past her eyes.
The Donkey Serenade continues over a MUSICAL SEQUENCE:
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAYCAMERA RUSHES around a netball court as the
class run about in the middle of a game.
FAST TRACK IN toward Pauline and Juliet sitting on the sidelines,
reading. Juliet laughs as Pauline reads to her from a Biggles book.
EXT. ILAM/GROUNDS - DAYPauline and Juliet cavorting around bushes and
shrubs, arms outstretched, acting like dogfighting aeroplanes.
INT. ILAM/DINING ROOM - NIGHTCAMERA MOVES around Hilda, Henry,
Jonathon, Pauline and Juliet at the table, having an evening meal. They
are all sipping soup. Silver glistens, crystal sparkles.
Pauline watches Hilda out of the corner of her eye. She cocks her
little finger in the same fashion as Hilda, and she spoons her soup up.
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - DAYPauline and Juliet kneading and shaping
Plasticine with their fingers . . .
PULL BACK to reveal sculpted horses, knights and dragons on the table
top.
EXT. ILAM GARDENS - DAYHenry is showing TWO DISTINGUISHED GUESTS (a MAN
and WOMAN) around the Ilam gardens, when Pauline and Juliet come
bursting out of the bushes and run between them, dressed in medieval
clothing. They vanish into the bushes again.
EXT. CINEMA/STREET - DAYPauline and Juliet rush out of the cinema in a
state of high excitement . . .
. . . FAST TRACK as they bound down the street, pirouetting and dancing
as they pass bewildered PEDESTRIANS.
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAYFAST TRACK - CLOSE-UP . . . bicycle wheel
spinning.
Pauline and Juliet are pedalling their bicycles like mad down a narrow,
tree-lined lane.
The "Donkey Serenade" continues . . .
They have a near-miss with an angrily tooting car.
Pauline wobbles out of control! . . . She goes flying into a bush.
The Donkey Serenade finishes abruptly in mid-verse.
Pauline is lying on her back.
Pauline's POV . . . looking straight up into treetops and blue sky.
Juliet's face looms over, looking concerned.
JULIET
(Worried) Paul? Oh, God! Paul . . . are you all right?
Pauline's eyes are shut. She speaks with great effort.
PAULINE
(Gasping) I think I'm dying . . .
JULIET
(Upset) Don't . . . please! Please, don't!
Dying breath escapes from Pauline's mouth . . . she goes limp.
Juliet shrieks!
JULIET
(Crying) Paul!!!
Juliet collapses over Pauline's body, crying.
Pauline's eyes flick open! She sniffs and pulls a face.
PAULINE
Urrrgh! You've been eating onions.
Before Juliet has time to react, Pauline pushes her off, giggling
maniacally. She leaps to her feet and attempts to run. Juliet grabs
Pauline's cardigan, pulling her backwards.
JULIET
You toad!
Pauline sheds the cardigan and runs through the bushes, with Juliet in
hot pursuit!
RRRRIP! . . . Juliet tugs at Pauline's blouse and the buttons pop off.
Pauline is laughing too hard to run anymore. She pulls off her skirt
and waves it around her head as she dances around the bushes, singing
"The Donkey Serenade."
PAULINE
(Singing) "There's a light in her eye, Though she may try to hide it,
She cannot deny, There's a light in her eye."
Now Juliet is cracking up at the sight of Pauline spinning around in
her underwear, shoes and socks.
Pauline circles around and around Juliet, singing. Juliet hurriedly
starts undressing down to her underwear.
Juliet giggles and starts jumping up and down.
Pauline suddenly breaks into a run and races through the bushes. Juliet
follows.
Both girls are screaming and hooting loudly. Pauline and Juliet burst
out of the bushes and . . .
PAULINE
& JULIET
(Singing) "Her face is a dream, like an angel I saw . . .
. . . into a field. They find themselves face to face with a FARMER,
mending a fence.
without missing a beat, they continue singing . . .
PAULINE
& JULIET
(Singing) "But all that my darling can scream . . ."
. . . then break down into convulsive laughter. They turn and flee back
into the bushes.
ON THE SOUNDTRACK . . . Mario Lanza picks up "The Donkey Serenade" at
the point that Pauline and Juliet stopped. The song builds to a rousing
final chorus as . . .
Pauline and Juliet collapse on the ground, rolling and tumbling in an
embrace.
As Mario sings the last exhilarating notes . . .
CAMERA RISES UP VERTICALLY . . . up through the foliage . . . past the
branches of a tree which abruptly BLOCK CAMERA.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS - NIGHTThe final "OLE!" from "The Donkey Serenade"
resounds over a SHOT of Pauline cycling furiously through dark
Christchurch streets.
EXT. ILAM - NIGHTTRACKING . . . down the drive as the dark shape of the
Ilam house looms ahead.
EXT. ILAM/SHRINE - NIGHTA corner of the garden . . . Moonlight glistens
off the slow-moving stream.
Three candles illuminate a little shrine, nestled flower bed in a
remote corner of the Ilam garden.
Bricks have been stacked to form a miniature temple, decorated with
flowers and tinsel.
Pauline and Juliet are kneeling on the ground, clipping pictures from
film magazines. Clipped-out photos lie scattered about.
Pauline holds James Mason's photo.
PAULINE
(Enraptured) I wish James would do a religious picture . . . he'd be
perfect as Jesus!
JULIET
Daddy says the Bible's a load of bunkum!
Pauline reacts with a degree of shock.
PAULINE
But, we're all going to Heaven!
JULIET
I'm not! I'm going to the Fourth World! It's like Heaven, only better
because there aren't any Christians.
Pauline giggles.
JULIET
It's an absolute Paradise of music, art and enjoyment.
Pauline is entranced. Juliet plucks up some photos.
JULIET
James will be there . . . and Mario! Only they'll be saints.
PAULINE
(Giggling) Saint Mario!
Juliet places Mario Lanza's photo in the shrine.
JULIET
To be known as He!
PAULINE
He . . .
Juliet places James Mason's photo in the shrine.
JULIET
Him.
PAULINE
Him . . .
Juliet picks up a photo of Mel Ferrer and places it in the shrine.
JULIET
This.
PAULINE
This . . .
Juliet places Jussi Bjoerling's photo in the shrine.
JULIET
That.
PAULINE
That . . .
Pauline places the last photo in the shrine . . . Orson Welles.
PAULINE
It.
Juliet screws her face up and throws the photo into the stream.
JULIET
Absolutely not! Orson Welles! The most hideous man alive!
Juliet dramatically sweeps her hand over the photos in the shrine and
bows her head.
JULIET
We give praise to . . . the saints!
Candlelight flickers on Pauline s enraptured face.
The crumpled photo of Orson Welles floats down the stream. With a
sudden violent burst of sound, it is sucked into the weir.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/LOUNGE - CHRISTMAS DAY, 1952
CLOSE-UP . . . a Christmas present is torn open . . . followed by
several more, in QUICK CUTS. Typical 1952 presents.
A Christmas tree adorns the Riepers' lounge. Some simple streamers and
ornaments decorate the room.
SUPER: "Christmas, 1952"
Honora, Herbert, WENDY and Pauline are sitting on the floor, amid
presents and discarded wrapping paper, GRANDMA PARKER is sitting in a
chair.
Pauline unwraps her present . . . a diary. Her eyes light up. HERBERT
leans over.
HERBERT
Hope it's all right. It's from Whitcomb and Tombs . . .
Pauline opens the diary . . .
CUT TO IN1: RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - DAYCLOSE-UP of the Jan.
1st page. Pauline's pen starts to write . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I decided that my New Year's resolution is to be more
lenient with others.
CUT TO:
INT: RIEPERS' HOUSE/DINING ROOM - DAYThe table is laid with plates of
sausage rolls and sandwiches. Pauline is laying napkins out. STEVE
Bayliss wanders in.
STEVE
Pikelets! Yum!
PAULINE
(Appalled) Aren't you going out?
STEVE
Not till two-thirty . . .
He reaches for a pikelet-Pauline pushes him away from the table.
PAULINE
This is a private function! Go away!
STEVE
retreats, hurt and confused. HONORA
brings in a plate of scones.
The doorbell rings.
HONORA
Come on! Sausage rolls.
HERBERT
(O.S.) Come on through.
HONORA
and Pauline hurriedly work together, setting out plates and cutlery.
HERBERT
Look who I've found!
HONORA
whips off her pinny as HERBERT
leads Juliet into the dining room.
HONORA
Hello, Juliet.
JULIET
Hello, Mrs. Rieper . . . it's so nice to meet you.
Juliet shakes hands with Honora.
CUT TO:
LATER IN THE LUNCH:
Herbert, Honora, Pauline and Juliet are sitting at the table, in the
middle of lunch.
JULIET
And so, in a blazing fury, Charles runs Lancelot Trelawney through with
his sword . . . leaving Deborah free to accept Charles's proposal of
marriage!
HONORA
and HERBERT
exchange a glance. HONORA
smiles at Juliet.
HONORA
I've heard your mother on 3YA. The Woman's Session has lots of lively
debate.
JULIET
Well, actually, Mummy's left that programme now . . she's far too busy
with The Marriage Guidance Council.
HERBERT
They sound like a queer mob!
PAULINE
Dad!
HONORA
I wouldn't want my private business being discussed with a complete
stranger!
JULIET
Oh, no . . . Mummy's awfully good at it.
INSERT SCENE
INT. MARRIAGE GUIDANCE - DAYSEVERAL QUICK SHOTS . . . of Hilda chatting
to UNHAPPY COUPLES as Juliet's V.O. continues . . .
JULIET
(V.O.) She has deep discussions with unhappy couples and persuades them
to have another go at it. In two years, she's only had four divorces.
She should really be working for the U.N.!
WALTER PERRY is now sitting across the table from Hilda. He is ruggedly
handsome, in his mid-40s
WALTER My wife's blaming me . . . says it's all my fault.
HILDA And how do you feel about that, Mr. Perry?
WALTER Please . . . call me Bill. I don't know what went wrong. My wife
feels . . .
HILDA No . . . no . . . let's talk about your feelings . . . Bill.
The air is crackling with subtext.
JULIET
(V.O.) Mummy has a special technique called "Deep Therapy."
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/DINING ROOM - DAY (CONT.)
HERBERT
What's that?
JULIET
I'm not sure . . . but it's proving to be very popular!
HONORA
and HERBERT
exchange a glance.
DING DONG! . . . doorbell rings. HONORA
gets up.
HONORA
Eat up, Yvonne.
She leaves the room. Juliet raises her eyebrows at Pauline, who looks
embarrassed.
PAULINE
(Quietly) It's my middle name.
HERBERT
smiles at Juliet.
HERBERT
Yvonne tells us you're good at making models.
JULIET
I adore anything to do with the arts.
HERBERT
We're pretty handy with model making, too, eh?
Pauline looks down, cheeks burning.
HERBERT
I've never cottoned on to Plasticine like you girls, but I enjoy making
things out of wood.
JULIET
Are you a carpenter, Mr. Rieper? HERBERT
shakes his head.
HERBERT
I work at Dennis Brothers Fish Supply.
Muffled voices from the hallway.
PAULINE
He's the manager!
HONORA
leads a young man-JOHN-into the dining room.
HONORA
(O.S.) This is the dining room . . .
She smiles at Juliet.
HONORA
Do excuse us.
She leads John into the hallway.
HONORA
(O.S.) Breakfast is between seven and nine . . . the bedroom's small,
but it's very clean and comfortable.
Pauline scowls.
HERBERT
This story of yours-maybe the school newspaper will print it when it's
finished.
JULIET
Actually, Mr. Rieper . . . it's a novel, and we'll be sending it to New
York. That's where all the big publishing houses are based.
HERBERT
(Laughs) Is that a fact! You'd better put me name down for an advance
copy!
HERBERT
chuckles. Pauline and Juliet look at each with knowing smiles.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We have decided how sad it is for other people that they
cannot appreciate our genius . . .
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAYTRACKING ALONG . . . past trees - with sunlight
streaming through the branches.
Pauline's V.O. continues . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) . . . but we hope the book will help them to do so a
little, though no one could fully appreciate us.
The Hulmes' car is driving along a narrow, winding road on the way to
Port Levy.
EXT. WHARF - DAYSUPER: "Port Levy, Easter 1953"
Juliet, in her swimming costume, runs to the end of the jetty and
teeters nervously on the edge. Pauline fearlessly barrels past her and
jumps in.
SERIES of BLACK & WHITE "HOLIDAY SNAPS":
Girls splashing in the water; Jonathon with ice cream smeared over his
face; Henry paddling with trousers and rolled up; Hilda on deck chair.
EXT. PORT LEVY BEACH - DAYPauline and Juliet are in the middle of
building an elaborate sand castle. Juliet is working on a tower.
LOW ANGLE . . . TRACKING IN TOWARD the castle gateway.
JULIET
Charles clutches his wounded shoulder as he gallops into the courtyard.
ANGLE . . . from inside tower as Pauline looks in through the window.
PAULINE
Deborah awaits his return in their private boudoir at the very top of
the tower.
TRACKING from sand castle courtyard, up steps into tower.
JULIET
He smells her scent from 50 paces and urges his steed onward!
CAMERA rushes into . . . tower bedroom . . . PANS from Pauline's to
Juliet's face, peering in through windows.
PAULINE
He flings open the door and launches himself at the bed, ravishing her!
JULIET
God, yes!
Juliet starts to giggle at a private thought.
JULIET
(Giggling) I bet she gets up the duff on their first night together!
Pauline guffaws with delight. Jonathon is sitting nearby, digging a
hole in the sand.
JONATHON What's "up the duff"?
JULIET
Something you wouldn't understand.
Jonathon launches himself at Juliet, and they roll on the sand,
grappling.
JONATHON Tell me! I'm almost 10!
JULIET
You're eight and a half and incredibly stupid!
Pauline is laughing happily.
EXT. COTTAGE - DAYHilda sits on a deck chair in front of the cottage,
brushing Pauline's hair. Henry is seated at a table, writing a letter.
Juliet is lying on a towel, making notes in an exercise book.
JULIET
Mummy . . . Pauline and I have decided the Charles and Deborah are
going to have a baby. An heir to the throne of Borovnia.
HILDA What a splendid idea!
JULIET
We're calling him Diello.
HILDA That's a good, dramatic name!
JULIET
Paul thought it up.
Pauline beams.
HILDA Aren't you clever! There, all done.
Pauline stands. Juliet touches Pauline's hair. Hilda laughs.
Henry is rifling through his briefcase.
HENRY Hilda! I can't find that letter from the High Commission. They
want our passport numbers.
JULIET
(Surprised) Are you going abroad, Daddy?
Hilda scowls at Henry.
HILDA Your father's attending a university conference in England,
darling.
HENRY We'll only be away for a few weeks.
Juliet looks at Hilda, a trace of panic across her face.
JULIET
(Worried) You're not going, are you, Mummy?
Hilda hesitates.
HILDA Well . . . I thought I might. It's a long time for your father
and I to be apart.
JULIET
But I should go, too!
HILDA Darling, you've got school. You've only just settled in.
JULIET
But- Hilda suddenly stands.
HILDA Who's coming to the shops? I need some cigarettes.
Jonathon barrels out of the cottage.
JONATHON Me! I'm coming.
HILDA (O.S.) Put on your shoes, Jonathon!
CAMERA MOVES IN . . . to Juliet's distraught face.
EXT. PORT LEVY HILLSIDE - EARLY EVENINGClouds swirling about the sky.
A grassy hillside overlooking Port Levy bay. An island sits in the bay,
bathed in the last rays of sunlight.
Juliet is a tiny figure against the vast landscape. She runs blindly
toward the edge of the hill.
Pauline appears over the brow . . . the hillside is empty! She panics,
running, calling out.
PAULINE
(Worried) Julie! Julie!
Pauline finds Juliet curled up in a little ball. She is motionless.
Pauline gently takes Juliet in her arms. Juliet is breathing heavily .
. . she squeezes her eyes shut, concentrating hard-a look of
desperation on her face.
JULIET
Look, Paul!
Pauline looks about, but can see nothing but a scrubby hillside. She
looks mystified.
PAULINE
What?
JULIET
It's so beautiful!
PAULINE
What???
Golden light streams on Pauline and Juliet. Pauline look up as the
clouds above them open. Juliet stands as if in trance. She offers her
hand to Pauline.
JULIET
Come with me.
Juliet pulls Pauline up and hugs her as they walk forward. The barren
landscape around Pauline and Juliet morphs into a beautiful garden . .
. the Fourth World!
EXT. FOURTH WORLD - DAYPauline and Juliet are amazed! . . . They stand,
holding each other's hand tightly. The world around them take on a new
form.
The grass beneath their feet has become a well-kept lawn. They are
surrounded by fountains and waterfalls. Unicorns graze on the hillside
. . . gigantic butterflies hover in the air.
Pauline and Juliet walk about in wonderment.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Today Juliet and I discovered the key to the Fourth World.
We have had it in our possession for about six months, but we only
realised it on the day of the Death of Christ. We saw a gateway through
the clouds. Everything was full of peace and bliss. We then realised we
had the key . . .
CUT TO:
INT. HULMES' CAR/COUNTRYSIDE - DAYAs Pauline's V.O. continues . . .
CAMERA TRACKS IN SLOWLY, past Henry and Hilda, to a SHOT of Pauline and
Juliet sitting quietly, staring ahead, blissfully.
PAULINE
(Diary V0.) We have an extra part of our brain which can appreciate the
Fourth World. Only about 10 people have it. On two days every year we
may use the key and look into that beautiful world which we have been
lucky enough to be allowed to know of . . .
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAYWIDE SHOT . . . the Hulmes' car, a small speck at
the BOTTOM OF FRAME, winding over the hills.
Above . . . billowing cumulus clouds fill the sky.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) . . . on this Day of Finding the Key to the Way through
the Clouds.
CUT TO:
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - DAYCLOSE-UP . . .Juliet's face twisted
with pain. She gasps as if in labour. Short, harsh panting. Pauline
look panic-stricken.
PAULINE
Push! . . . Breathe! . . . It's coming! . . . Oh, God!
PULL OUT . . . to reveal Juliet lying on her bed, in childbirth pose.
Her pregnant stomach is pushing at the seams of her school dress.
Juliet wails . . . Pauline pulls out a pillow from between Juliet's
legs, her face a mixture of surprise and elation.
PAULINE
It's a boy! Deborah . . . we've got a son and heir!
Pauline hands Juliet the pillow. She cradles it in her arms.
JULIET
I shall call him Diello.
PAULINE
You're such an incredible woman.
JULIET
I couldn't have done it without you, Charles.
INT. SCHOOL/ENGLISH CLASS - DAY"THE ROLE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY TODAY" -
written on the blackboard. Mrs. STEVE
ns is presiding over Form 4A.
Juliet is standing at the front of the class, reading from an essay.
JULIET
. . . the Empress Deborah has the difficulty fending off her husband,
who tries his way with her morning, noon and night . . .
The class titters . . . they clearly want to I STEVE
ns s glare deters them.
Pauline sits at the back, smirking.
MRS. STEVE
NS (Icy) Thank you, Juliet!
JULIET
. . . However, the Queen's biggest problem is her renegade child,
Diello. He has proven to be an uncontrollable little brighter, who
slaughters his nannies whenever the fancy takes him . . .
MRS. STEVE
NS That's enough, Juliet!
Juliet stops and stands quietly. Mrs. STEVE
ns rips the essay out of her hand and waves it under her nose.
MRS. STEVE
NS I suppose this is your idea of a joke?
JULIET
No, Mrs. STEVE
ns.
MRS. STEVE
NS I suppose you think it's witty and clever to mock the Royal Family .
. . to poke fun a the Empire, with this . . . rubbish!
Pauline leaps to her feet.
PAULINE
It's not rubbish!
MRS. STEVE
NS Sit down, Pauline!
JULIET
I really don't understand why you are upset, Mrs. STEVE
n. I merely wrote an essay on the Royal Family as requested.
Pauline points at the blackboard.
PAULINE
It doesn't say it has to be the Windsors!
MRS. STEVE
NS (Yelling) Sit down!
Pauline sits down, looking victorious.
MRS. STEVE
NS (To Juliet) A girl like you should be setting an example! To your
seat!
Juliet starts coughing. Mrs. STEVE
ns's face darkens.
MRS. STEVE
NS Stop it, Juliet!
Juliet continues coughing. She sits heavily. Pauline snorts, trying not
to laugh.
Juliet slumps over her desk, coughing . . . globules of blood splatter
her exercise book.
Pauline's smile vanishes.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/HALLWAY - NIGHTPauline is standing in the hallway,
holding the phone to her ear. She slowly lowers it, her face shocked.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Mrs. Hulme told me they had found out today that Juliet
has tuberculosis on one lung. Poor Julietta. I nearly fainted when I
heard. I had a terrible job not to cry.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S SLEEPOUT - MORNINGPauline is lying in her
bed looking depressed. She writes her diary.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I spent a wretched night. It would be wonderful if I could
get tuberculosis, too.
HONORA
comes in with a breakfast tray: bacon and eggs, tea and toast.
HONORA
Come on, sit up.
PAULINE
I'm not hungry.
HONORA
You've got to eat, Yvonne. You hardly touched our dinner. I'm not
having you falling ill.
PAULINE
I just want to be on my own for a while.
HONORA
starts to cut up a slice of bacon and offers it to Pauline.
HONORA
You may have forgotten that you were once a very sick little girl, but
I haven't!
HONORA
holds up a loaded fork. Pauline reluctantly takes it.
PAULINE
Do you think Juliet could stay here while her parents are away?
HONORA
Juliet's infectious . . . she'll be going to hospital.
PAULINE
But she'll have no one to look after her!
HONORA
Her parents won't be going overseas now . . . they'll have to cancel
their trip. Don't worry about Juliet.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. CASHMERE SANATORIUM/JULIET'S ROOM - DAYThe back of Hilda's head
rises through SHOT, revealing Juliet lying in a hospital bed, looking
weak. Hilda has just kissed her on the forehead. Juliet is upset.
HILDA It's not too late to cancel our travel arrangements . . . if
that's what you want?
Juliet tearfully shakes her head. Henry is standing at the foot of the
bed, hands behind his back.
HENRY I'm sure you'll like it here . . . it's very tranquil.
HILDA I've spoken to the Matron, and she promises to take special care
of you.
HENRY And you can carry on with your studies while you convalesce.
Hilda touches Juliet's hand, and leans forward . . . a concerned look
on her face.
HILDA It's for the good of your health, darling.
Juliet looks at her mother, eyes filling with tears. Henry pats her
feet.
HENRY Cheer up, old thing . . . four months will fly by in no time.
CUT TO:
INT. SANATORIUM/CORRIDOR - DAYHenry and Hilda walk up the corridor past
sick patients in wheelchairs.
EXT. SANATORIUM - DAYJuliet's POV through the window . . . as her
parents' car disappears down the road.
INT. SANATORIUM/)ULIET'S ROOM - DAYJuliet watches them drive away,
tears streaming down her face.
HONORA
(V.O.) Juliet won't be allowed visitors for at least a couple of
months.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/DINING ROOM - NIGHTPauline is unenthusiastically
picking at her dinner.
HONORA
I've booked you in for a chest X-ray . . . just to be on the safe side.
HONORA
pops a couple more potatoes on Pauline's plate. HERBERT
glances at Pauline.
HERBERT
Thought I'd have a go at building the birdhouse on Saturday . . .
anyone want to give me a hand?
Pauline remains silent.
HONORA
You used to love making things with Dad, Yvonne.
MOVE IN . . . on Pauline, who has not been listening.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) This evening I had a brainwave: that Juliet and I should
write to each other as Charles and Deborah.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S SLEEPOUT - NIGHTPauline is lying on her
bed, furiously writing a letter.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I wrote a six-page letter as Charles and a two-page letter
as Paul.
INT. SANATORIUM - DAYJuliet lies on her bed, writing to Pauline.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) She has entered into the spirit of the thing greatly!
As we listen to Juliet's V.O., we see SCENES of TB hospital life . . .
the meals brought around . . . the dayroom . . . the DOCTORS.
JULIET
(Letter V.O.) My dear Charles, I miss you and adore you in equal
amounts and long for the day we will be reunited, but as I languish
here, in this house of disease and decrepitude, my mind turns-with
increasing frequency- to the problem of our son . . .
INT. SANATORIUM/JULIET'S ROOM - DAYJuliet sits at a desk. sculpting and
painting a Plasticine figure of Diello.
As her V.O. continues . . . TRACK INTO a CLOSE-UP of Diello's fierce
little face . . .
JULIET
(Letter V.O.) Although only 10, Diello has thus far killed 57 people
and shows no desire to stop . . . it worries me, Charles.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/KITCHEN, LOUNGE - DAYCLOSE-UP of Pauline's hand,
writing a letter to Juliet.
PAULINE
(Letter V.O.) My dearest darling Deborah. Affairs of state continue to
occupy my time.
Pauline washes a pile of dishes in the kitchen.
PAULINE
(Letter V.O.) I have to report that the lower classes are terrifically
dull.
Pauline is sitting in the lounge, looking very boring during a game of
Lexicon with Herbert, John and a ROSS. Pauline is waiting for her turn,
unaware that John is studying her from across the table. Her
word PUTRID spelled out.
PAULINE
(Letter V.O.) Only yesterday I was compelled to execute several
peasants just to alleviate the boredom . . .
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL/ART CLASS - DAYPauline is hunched over a painting in the
art class, daubing great strokes of red paint onto a violent medieval
carnage.
PAULINE
(Letter V.O.) . . . Diello insisted on coming along . . . in fact, he
made such a fuss that I had to let him yield the ax himself. Heads did
roll! Not just the prisoners, but the royal guard, my valet and several
unfortunate copped it as well . . .
IMAGES of Pauline's painting: people being run through with swords,
heads coming off, etc.
CUT TO:
INT. SANATORIUM/DAYROOM - DAYJuliet is sitting, writing in the sunny
dayroom.
JULIET
(Letter V.O.) Oh, Charles . . . I am despair enough to put Diello in
the hands of the Cardinal, in hope that a good dose of religion will
set the young chap on the right path.
REVEREND NORRIS Hello again . . .
Juliet peers up at a DOG-COLLARED VICAR. She eyes him coldly.
REVEREND NORRIS How are you getting along? It must be awfully hard
being away from your school chums . . . I've got something here you
might just like to have a look at.
He hands Juliet a leaflet featuring a thin, withered figure in a great
deal of pain. "JESUS LOVES YOU" is printed across the top.
Juliet's face hardens.
REVEREND NORRIS Unfortunately, modern medicine can only go so far in
combatting an illness like TB. And that's why I'm here . . . because
with the power of God, miracles can happen. The Lord has said that
those who have faith will be saved! Reach out, Juliet! Reach out for
Jesus!
During Reverend Norris's speech . . . CAMERA closes in to BIG CLOSE-UP
of Juliet's face. Reverend Norris's voice fades away. . .
SUDDENLY!!!
A silhouetted figure rises up behind Reverend Norris . . . a lumpy hand
closes around his throat!
REVEREND NORRIS Aaaaarghhh!!!
Diello - the Plasticine figurine, now life-size - drags Reverend Norris
off his feet and across the room.
Reverend Norris kicks and struggles as Diello hauls him through the
doorway onto . . .
EXT. BOROVNIA CASTLE COURTYARD - DAY. . . a scaffold in the town square
of Borovnia. A medieval fantasy kingdom. NICHOLAS watches from a street
corner.
Reverend Norris is grabbed by two BURLY PLASTICINE GUARDS. They hold
him down, his neck on a chopping block. Diello grabs a huge ax, swings
it up above his head, and brings it crashing down onto . . .
REVEREND NORRIS'S NECK!!!
CHOP TO:
INT. SANATORIUM/CORRIDOR - DAYCRASH! . . . swing doors burst open.
Pauline hurries into the hospital corridor. HONORA
follows behind her. Within sight of the dayroom, Pauline breaks into a
run, nearly bowling a NURSE over.
HONORA
Yvonne!
INT. SANATORIUM/DAY ROOM - DAYPauline rushes over to Juliet, who is
seated by a window, knitting. They hug tightly.
JULIET
I'm so happy to see you!
HONORA
hurries over.
HONORA
It's best not to get too close. Juliet's still not a hundred percent.
Hello, Juliet! We've bought you some fruit.
JULIET
Thank you so much!
Juliet sits back in her chair. She holds Pauline's hand. HONORA
admires Juliet's knitting-a red cardigan.
HONORA
That's coming along well!
JULIET
(Pleased) I'm the Matron's favourite patient and she's shown me her
special stitch!
PAULINE
I love the colour!
Juliet smiles at Pauline.
JULIET
It's for you.
Pauline squeezes Juliet's hand.
INT.JULIET'S ROOM - DAYHONORA
is looking at some mail on a small table. Pauline is sitting at
Juliet's bedside.
HONORA
Goodness me! What a lot of letters. Are your parents enjoying their
trip? Oh . . . there's a couple of unopened ones, dear.
JULIET
(Sarcastically) I'm saving them for a rainy day.
HONORA
gives her a sympathetic look.
HONORA
I know it's hard for you being in here, but it is for the good of your
health.
JULIET
(Bitterly) They sent me off to the Bahamas "for the good of my health."
They sent me to the Bay of bloody Islands "for the good of my health."
HONORA
looks startled at the outburst.
JULIET
I'm sorry, Mrs. Rieper. I'm feeling quite fatigued.
HONORA
We don't want to tire you out, dear.
HONORA
stands and picks up her handbag. Pauline stands and Juliet grabs her
hand.
JULIET
Can't you stay a bit longer, Paul?
Pauline looks at Honora.
HONORA
We've got a tram to catch, Yvonne.
Pauline hugs Juliet and reluctantly takes her leave.
CUTTO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S SLEEPOUT - EVENINGCLOSE-UP . . .
Plasticine figure of Nicholas. John's hand comes into SHOT and picks
the model up. Pauline looks on anxiously . . . the face of Nicholas
bears more than a passing resemblance to John, but he doesn't seem to
notice.
JOHN This is quite something . . . you're damn clever.
Pauline beams.
JOHN So . . . Deborah is married to Charles, and this chap Nicholas . .
. is her tennis instructor?
PAULINE
Yes, but there's nothing between them. Deborah would never go for a
commoner. Nicholas has got his eye on Gina, an amazingly beautiful
gypsy.
She gestures to a Plasticine GINA figure that is sitting or the shelf.
JOHN Looks like you, Yvonne.
Pauline beams.
PAULINE
Juliet made it!
John smiles.
JOHN This is really quite incredible. l bet you girls know the entire
royal lineage for the last five centuries.
PAULINE
Oh, yes! It's all worked out!
John returns Nicholas to the shelf, placing him amidst whole family of
beautifully sculpted Plasticine figures. Pauline self-consciously
returns to her sculpting, aware that John is watching her keenly.
EXT. SANATORIUM/GARDEN - DAYPauline is sitting cross-legged at the foot
of Juliet's bed.
PAULINE
(Whispers) You'll never guess what's happened!!
JULIET
What??
PAULINE
John has fallen in love with me!
JULIET
That idiot boarder?
Pauline beams.
JULIET
How do you know? Did he tell you?
PAULINE
Well . . . no. But it's so obvious.
Pauline giggles. Juliet turns away.
JULIET
(Sullen) Is that why you haven't replied to my last letter?
Pauline's smile disappears.
PAULINE
No, silly. I'm just teasing. He's only a stupid boy!
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S SLEEPOUT - NIGHTPauline is lying in bed
asleep. Her door opens and John stands tentatively in the door way. He
is wearing stripey pyjamas.
JOHN (Loud whisper) Yvonne!
Pauline sits up, groggily flicking on a bedside light.
PAULINE
Whaddya want?
John puts his fingers to his lips to shush her.
JOHN (Whispers) l can't sleep . . . can l borrow a book?
PAULINE
(Whispers) Shut the door.
John tiptoes across to the bookshelf He pulls a book out . . . "Girls'
Own Annual 1951."
JOHN This looks interesting.
Pauline gives him a dubious look from her bed.
John stands shivering, flicking through the annual.
JOHN These knitting patterns look damn complicated. Have you tried the
tea cosy?
Pauline shakes her head and looks on as John continues to thumb
awkwardly through the book, his shivers increasing.
He glances at Pauline nervously.
JOHN It's damn cold, isn't it? Do you think I could hop into bed for a
moment . . . just to warm up? My feet are like iceblocks.
PAULINE
You should have worn your slippers.
JOHN Come on, Yvonne, I'll catch me death!
Pauline rolls to one side.
PAULINE
Just for a minute.
John climbs into bed beside Pauline and pulls the blankets up around
his chin.
CUT TO:
EXT. RIEPERS' HOUSE - NIGHTMidnight at 31 Gloucester St. All the lights
are off.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) To think that so much could happen in so little time,
caused by so few. A terrible tragedy has occurred . . .
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S SLEEPOUT - NIGHTPauline is lying in bed.
The lights are off.
PAULINE
(Theatrical voice) "Now, gels . . . it isn't ooo, it's eee," and she
goes . . . "eeeeee" as if someone is jabbing a pin into her! Silly old
trout!
PULL OUT during Pauline's V.O.... to reveal John lying in bed beside
her. He cuddles up to her.
JOHN I love you, Yvonne.
Pauline continues, oblivious to his attentions.
PAULINE
And then in history, we've got this senile old bat, who goes . . .
(Squawky voice) "And Charles the Second met Nell Gwynn aboard a boat
and he was a prince and she was a pretty young thing and these thing do
happen . . ." (Normal voice) God! It's no wonder I don't excel in
history!
JOHN Do you love me as much as I love you?
PAULINE
0f course, my darling Nicholas.
John can't contain himself . . . he starts pressing himself against her
body.
JOHN (Panting) My . . . my name's John.
Pauline lies on her back, not responding to his caresses.
PAULINE
I like Nicholas much better!
John climbs on top of Pauline.
JOHN You can call me anything you like . . .
John fumbles around beneath the sheets.
PAULINE
What are you doing?
JOHN Nothing . . .
SUDDENLY!
The outside light flicks on. Sound of footsteps stomping down the path.
THE DOOR OPENS!
PAULINE
Bloody hell!
John desperately tries to conceal himself beneath the bedcovers as . .
.
The light flicks on . . . HERBERT
stands in the doorway. He surveys the situation with a grim expression.
John rolls out of bed and staggers toward the door fumbling with his
pyjama cord.
HERBERT
Go to the house.
John scuttles out of the sleepout. Pauline lies still in bed, peering
at her father.
HERBERT
(Upset) You have broken my heart, Yvonne.
HERBERT
turns and leaves the room. Pauline stares at the ceiling.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I lay there mesmerised. It was just too frightful to
believe . . .
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/DINING ROOM - MORNING BREAKFAST . . .A plate of
Weetbix bangs down on the table in front of Pauline. Milk sloshes over
the side of the bowl. HONORA
looks thunderous and stomps off.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) When I got up I found Father had told Mother . . .
CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal STEVE
, Ross, a new boarder, LAURIE, and HERBERT
seated around the table. The boarders are clearly oblivious to the
tense family vibes.
LAURIE Coming to Lancaster Park on Saturday, Mr. Rieper?
HERBERT
shakes his head, sullenly.
Wendy hurries into the room, grabs a piece of toast, pulling on a coat.
WENDY Where's John? He said he'd walk with me.
HONORA
stands in the doorway.
HONORA
John's no longer staying here.
Wendy looks surprised.
LAURIE Shot through, this morning . . . said his old Mum had taken
sick.
INT. RIEPFRS' HOUSE/KITCHEN - MORNINGPauline is washing dishes, up to
her elbows in soapy water. Behind her HONORA
tidies up, glowering at her daughter.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I had a nasty foreboding feeling at first, but now I
realise my crime was too frightful for an ordinary lecture.
HONORA
(Angry) From now on, you're sleeping in the house, where we can keep an
eye on you.
Pauline bangs a dish into the rack.
HONORA
(Angry) If you think for one minute that your father and I will
tolerate this sort of behaviour, you've got another thing coming!
You're only 14!!! You're a child! What on earth's the matter with you,
Yvonne? You know what can happen with boys . . . Don't you have any
self-respect?
HONORA
sighs.
PAULINE
Can I go now?
HONORA
grabs Pauline by the shoulders.
HONORA
You think you're such a clever little madam! You had your father in
tears last night!
Pauline flinches.
HONORA
My God, what a disgrace you are! You shame me, you shame the family.
You're nothing but a cheap little tart!
PAULINE
Well, I guess I take after you then!
HONORA
whirls around and slaps Pauline on the cheek.
PAULINE
You ran off with Dad when you were only 17! Nana Parker told me!
HONORA
steps back.
HONORA
(Softly) You're going to be late.
Pauline triumphantly walks past her mother. HONORA
barely reacts as Pauline hurries out.
CUT TO: EXT. RIEPERS' HOUSE - NIGHTMidnight at 31 Gloucester St. All
lights are off.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I am terribly cut up. I miss Nicholas terrifically. Mother
thinks I will have nothing more to do with him, but little she knows .
. .
The front door quietly opens and Pauline sneaks out.
Pauline pedals her bicycle furiously along dark streets.
EXT. BOARDING HOUSE - NIGHTPauline climbs up a fire escape.
John comes out onto the balcony and hugs her.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Nicholas was pleased that I was so early.
John and Pauline disappear into his room . . .
WIDE SHOT of the house, as Pauline's V.O. continues . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We sat around and talked for an hour and then went to bed.
I declined the invitation at first, but he became very masterful and I
had no option. I discovered that I had not lost my virginity on
Thursday night. However, there is no doubt whatsoever that I have now .
. .
CRASH CUT TO:
INT. BOARDING HOUSE/JOHN'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPauline is lying on the bed,
with John thrusting away on top of her. John grunts and groans . . .
Pauline remains unmoved and uninvolved.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BOROVNIA - DAYThe noonday sun glows in the sky.
Pauline opens her eyes . . . she is lying in a field of the most
amazingly colourful flowers.
She stands and looks around her with amazement. She smiles happily.
On one side are fantasy cottages with crooked chimneys and thatched
roofs . . . on the other tower the walls of Borovnia Castle.
Music comes wafting out of the castle gates . . . Mario Lanza singing
"Funiculi, Funicula."
Pauline walks through the gates, beneath the portcullis, and into...
EXT. BOROVNIA CASTLE COURTYARD - DAY. . . the courtyard. A féte is in
progress. The courtyard is full of PLASTICINE PEOPLE, laughing and
singing amidst stalls and sideshows.
Pauline pushes her way through the crowd. A Plasticine finger taps her
shoulder . . . she spins around and gasps!
PAULINE
Charles!
The PLASTICINE KING smiles.
CHARLES (James Mason voice) Hello, Gina . . . great to see you here!
He turns away. Pauline scans the crowd. She gets a fleeting glimpse of
the back of a ROBED WOMAN.
PAULINE
(Calling) Deborah!
Deborah does not hear, and Pauline desperately pushes between
Plasticine people to try and reach her.
A blur of Plasticine faces slide past . . .
CRASH CUT TO:
INT. BOARDING HOUSE/JOHN'S BEDROOM
CLOSE-U P . . . John's sweaty face, still grunting furiously.
CRASH CUT TO:
EXT. BOROVNIA CASTLE COURTYARD - DAYPauline finds herself pulled into
the arms of a fierce-looking PLASTICINE KNIGHT.
PAULINE
(Breathless) Diello!
DIELLO (Orson Welles voice) Careful, Gina. . . we almost lost you!
Diello suddenly steps back, draws his sword and expertly runs a passing
PEASANT through.
He sweeps his hat off and bows at Pauline.
DIELLO (Orson Welles voice) For you, my lady!
Pauline beams. Her eye is again caught by Deborah's Plasticine figure
across the crowd . . . her back is still turned.
PAULINE
Deborah!
Deborah slowly turns around . . . she has a human face-Juliet!
Tears of joy trickle down Pauline's cheeks.
Juliet is laughing and smiling, looking beautiful.
Diello gently wipes Pauline's tears.
DIELLO (Orson Welles voice) You're crying, Gina . . . don't be sad.
Another Plasticine arm tugs at Pauline's shoulder . . . she turns and
looks straight at the figure of . . .
NICHOLAS!
NICHOLAS (John s voice) Yvonne!
QUICK CUTS . . .
Nicholas's Plasticine face . . .
John's face in the bedroom . . .
Nicholas . . .
John . . .
Nicholas . . .
CRASH CUT TO:
INT. BOARDING HOUSE/JOHN'S ROOM - NIGHTCLOSE-UP . . . John's face
looming over Pauline.
JOHN Yvonne!
Pauline is lying on the bed beneath him. She looks at him with glazed
eyes.
She pushes John away and sits up in bed.
JOHN (Worried) I didn't hurt you, did I?
Pauline jumps out of bed and starts to dress.
PAULINE
I've got to go home.
John jumps out of bed and wraps his arms around her.
JOHN I love you so much.
MOVE IN . . . on Pauline's emotionless face.
CUT TO:
INT. SANATORIUM/CORRIDOR - DAYPauline is hurrying down the sanatorium
corridor . . . she breaks into a run.
INT. SANATORIUM/JULIET'S ROOM - DAYJuliet is sitting by her bed, fully
clothed. Her suitcases are packed and lie on the bed.
Pauline runs into the room. Juliet stands and they embrace hugging each
other tightly.
Henry enters the room and frowns at the sight of the girls hugging.
Juliet reaches out for Henry and pulls him into the embrace. He looks
decidedly ill at ease as Pauline's black hair nuzzles against his neck.
EXT. STREETS - DAYTRACKING BACK . . . as the Hulmes' car drives toward
CAMERA.
Pauline's V.O. starts, reading her poem "The Ones That I Worship":
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) There are living among two dutiful daughters.
INT. HULMES' CAR - DAYPauline and Juliet are sitting together in the
back seat.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) Of a man who possesses two beautiful daughters,
Henry adjusts the rearview mirror and catches sight of their clasped
hands.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) You cannot know nor yet try to guess,/The sweet
soothingness of their caress,
Henry's steely gaze in the rearview mirror.
The poem continues over a visual montage:
EXT. ILAM DRIVEWAY - DAYThe Hulmes' car pulls up outside Ilam.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) The outstanding genius of this pair is understood by
few,/They are so rare. . .
Hilda emerges out of the house. Juliet gives her a big hug.
JULIET
Mummy!
HILDA Darling! Welcome home!
EXT. STREET - DAYPauline and Juliet sitting in a tram as it crawls
along slowly.
John is running alongside, waving and calling, trying to get Pauline's
attention. He is clearly pleading with her, but to no avail.
JOHN Yvonne! Stop! I still love you!
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) Compared with these two, every man is a fool,/The world is
most honoured that they should deign to rule,/And I worship the power
of these lovely two,/ With that adoring love known to so few . . .
Pauline looks knowingly at Juliet, then down to John, hurrying along
the street.
MATCH CUT TO:
EXT. BOROVNIA CASTLE GATES - DAYThe Plasticine figure of Nicholas,
hurrying down the passage toward the castle gates.
In an alcove beside the gate, the Plasticine figure of Diello is
lurking in the shadows, dagger in hand. Beside him is the rope winch
that operates the portcullis.
Footsteps approach . . .
Diello presses himself back into the corner . . .
Nicholas walks briskly. As he nears the portcullis, he espies something
twinkling on the ground.
LOW ANGLE . . . Nicholas stops, looks down. Directly above him are the
jagged teeth of the portcullis.
He reaches down . . . for a silver ring, set with a small pink stone.
It is lying on the ground, as if dropped by somebody.
SUDDENLY!
Diello slashes the rope with his dagger. Before Nicholas can react, the
portcullis crashes down on him. His Plasticine body is crushed.
Nicholas's twitching fingers release the brooch. It falls to the ground
and breaks. The pink stone pops out of its setting, rolls down the path
and comes to rest by Pauline's and Juliet's feet.
Juliet picks up the pink stone. She holds it up and it twinkles in the
sunlight.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) 'Tis indeed a miracle, one must feel, That two such
heavenly creatures are real,
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ILAM/BATH ROOM - N IGHTCLOSE-UP . . . Pauline's face, staring
intently ahead.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) Hatred burning bright in the brown eyes with enemies for
fuel,
CLOSE-UP . . . Juliet's face, staring intently ahead.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) Icy scorn glitters in the gray eyes, contemptuous and
cruel, Why are men such fools they will not realise,
PULL OUT . . . to show Pauline and Juliet lying in opposite ends of a
hot, steaming bath, staring at each other.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) The wisdom that is hidden behind those strange eyes.
INT. ILAM/)ULIET'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPOEM CONTINUES AS . . .
Pauline and Juliet . . . sleeping in each other's arms in bed.
PAULINE
(Poem V.O.) And these wonderful people are you and I.
FAST TRACK IN . . . to the bedroom door.
Henry is silently observing the two sleeping girls, his face stoney.
Sound of a distant thunderclap . . .
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS'HOUSE/HALLWAY - NIGHTHenry is standing on the Riepers'
doorstep. Lightning flashes light up his face like something out of a
gothic horror.
HENRY Mrs. Rieper . . . may I come in?
HONORA
is standing, holding the door open, looking rather surprised at the
unexpected visitor.
HONORA
(Surprised) Yes, of course.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/LOUNGE - NIGHTHenry and HONORA
are sitting in the lounge. Henry looking rather uncomfortable on the
edge of a shabby armchair. HERBERT
is at a drinks cabinet unscrewing the top off a bottle.
HENRY Your daughter's . . . an imaginative and a spirited girl- HONORA
If she's spending too much time at your house, you only need to say.
All those nights she spends over-she's assured us that you don't mind .
. .
HENRY It's rather more complicated than that. Since Mrs. Hulme and I
have returned home, Juliet has been behaving in a rather disturbed
manner . . . surliness, short temper . . . general irritability-most
uncharacteristic.
HERBERT
is pouring a drink.
HERBERT
Sure I can't tempt you to a nice sherry, Dr. Hulme?
HENRY No, thank you. The thing is . . .
HONORA
Yvonne hasn't been herself, either. Locking herself away in her room .
. . endlessly writing.
HERBERT
sits down next to Honora, glass of sherry in hand.
HENRY My wife and I feel the friendship is . . . unhealthy.
HERBERT
No arguments there, Dr. Hulme! All that time inside working on those
novels of theirs. They don't get fresh air or exercise!
HONORA
frowns at Henry.
HONORA
(Concerned) I'm not sure what you mean, Dr. Hulme.
Henry pauses for a moment.
HENRY Your daughter appears to have formed a rather . . . unwholesome
attachment to Juliet.
HONORA
(Worried) What's she done???
HENRY She hasn't done anything . . . it's the intensity of the
friendship that concerns me. I think we should avert trouble before it
starts.
Henry hands a business card to Honora.
HENRY Dr. Bennett is a very good friend. He's a general physician, but
has some expertise in child psychology. If Pauline is indeed developing
in a rather . . . er . . . wayward fashion, Dr. Bennett is the ideal
man to set her back on track.
CUT TO:
INT. DR. BENNETT'S SURGERY - DAYPauline is slouched in a chair, looking
very sullen.
DR. BENNETT (O.S.) What about your studies . . . are you enjoying
school?
DR. BENNETT is seated behind his desk. Pauline is silent. She looks at
the ceiling. HONORA
is sitting next to Pauline.
DR. BENNETT Are you happy at home? Pauline is silent.
HONORA
Answer Dr. Bennett, Yvonne.
Pauline remains silent.
HONORA
(Annoyed) Yvonne!
DR. BENNETT Mrs. Rieper . . . perhaps you wouldn't mind waiting
outside.
HONORA
leaves the room.
DR. BENNETT Do you like your mother?
Pauline hesitates for a moment.
PAULINE
No.
DR. BENNETT And why is that?
PAULINE
She nags me.
DR. BENNETT And that's why you like to stay with the Hulmes?
Pauline looks wary. She doesn't answer.
DR. BENNETT Or is it because you want to be with Juliet?
No answer.
DR. BENNETT Do you . . . like girls?
PAULINE
No.
DR. BENNETT Why not?
PAULINE
They're silly.
DR. BENNETT But Juliet's not silly?
PAULINE
(Emphatic) No!
DR. BENNETT Yvonne . . . there's nothing wrong with having a close
friend, but sometimes things can get . . . too friendly. Such
associations can lead to trouble. It isn't good to have just one friend
. . . my wife and I have several friend and we enjoy seeing them on a
regular basis, and it's all perfectly healthy. Perhaps you could think
about spending time with . . . boys- Dr. Bennett stops in mid-sentence,
a look of surprise face. He looks down at his chest . . .
A red bloodstain is slowly spreading across his shirt. Dr. Bennett
twitches slightly as the blade of a sword work its way out of his
chest!
Pauline's face lights up as . . .
Diello rises up behind Dr. Bennett.
DIELLO (Orson Welles voice) Bloody fool!
CRASH CUT TO:
INT. DR. BENNETT'S WAITING ROOM - DAYThe surgery door opens and Pauline
steps out, looking elated.
HONORA
looks up from her chair.
Dr. Bennett appears in the doorway behind Pauline. He casts a wary
glance in her direction.
DR. BENNETT Mrs. Rieper . . .
HONORA
bustles in, and Dr. Bennett closes the door. Pauline sits down, folds
her arms and stares blankly at a COUPLE OF SICK PATIENTS.
INT. DR. BENNETT'S SURGERY - DAYCLOSE-UP . . . Dr. Bennett's mouth.
DR. BENNETT Homosexuality . . .
HONORA
looks horrified.
DR. BENNETT I agree, Mrs. Rieper, it's not a pleasant word. But let us
not panic unduly. This condition is often a passing phase with girls of
Yvonne's age.
HONORA
But she's always been such a normal, happy child.
DR. BENNETT It can strike at any time, and adolescent are particularly
vulnerable.
HONORA
But what about the vomiting? She's lost a lot of weight . . .
Dr. Bennett shrugs.
DR. BENNETT Physically, I can find nothing wrong. I've checked for TB
and she's clear. I can only attribute her weight loss to her mental
disorder.
HONORA
(Shocked) Oh . . .
DR. BENNETT Look, Mrs. Rieper . . . try not to worry too much. Yvonne's
young and strong, and she's got a loving family behind her. Chances are
she'll grow out of it. If not . . . well, medical science is
progressing in leaps and bounds. There could be a breakthrough at any
time!
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/HALLWAY - NIGHTSLOW TRACKING . . . down the hallway
corridor. As the CAMERA passes doorways, we see the Riepers' family
routine . . . HONORA
in the kitchen. HERBERT
wanders by and goes through the adjoining door into the lounge. He sits
down and opens the paper. Wendy is attempting to t the fire. The family
are chatting to each other, but we do not hear their conversation
because . . .
. . . we are listening to Pauline's V.O.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Mother woke me this morning and started lecturing me
before I was properly awake, which I thought was somewhat unfair. She
has brought up the worst possible threat now. She said that if my
health did not prove I could never see the Hulmes again. The thought is
too dreadful. Life would be unbearable without Deborah . . .
CAMERA CRANES UP . . . through the ceiling and into . . .
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT. . . Pauline's bedroom.
The room is filled with the sad strains of "E Lucevan le Stelle," an
aria from Puccini's Tosca that is booming out from Pauline's portable
record player.
CAMERA CRANES UP past the foot of the bed to reveal Pauline lying on
her back, looking very morose.
TRACK IN TO her intense face as her V.O. continues . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) l wish I could die. This is not an idle or temporary
impulse. I have decided over the last two or three weeks that it would
be the best thing that could happen together, and the thought of death
is not fearsome.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/LOUNGE - CHRISTMAS DAY 1953CLOSE-UP . . . a
Christmas present is torn open . . . followed by several more, in quick
cuts. Typical 1953 presents.
Honora, Herbert, Wendy and Pauline are sitting on the floor, amidst
presents and discarded wrapping paper. Grandma Parker is sitting in a
chair.
HERBERT
waves a pair of new socks around. The family laughing and talking.
Pauline is not participating. She is leaning back, looking morose.
HONORA
looks at her with concern.
HONORA
(Concerned) Is it hurting, dear?
Pauline looks blank.
HONORA
Your leg . . . have you got pain?
Pauline shakes her head. She rips open a present . . . a new diary.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - NIGHTCLOSE-UP of the Jan. 1st
page. Pauline's pen starts to write . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) My New Year's resolution is a far more selfish one than
last year, so there is more probability of my keeping it. It is to make
my motto: "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be dead."
Pauline looks up from her diary as the CAMERA RUSHES IN toward her
face.
I NT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MORNING
TRACKING with Pauline as she walks down the corridor past classmates,
head down, shoulders hunched.
EXT. CRANMER SQUARE/SCHOOL - DAYA PHOTOGRAPHER is peering through his
camera in Cranmer Square.
The 33 girls of 4A are posing for their class photo. They are giggling
and joking. Pauline is perched in the top right corner and is sullen.
PHOTOGRAPHER Ready . . . smile!
Pauline bows her bead.
CLICK!
CUT TO:
THE BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPH. PULL OUT from Pauline's bowed head to the
full shot of the smiling class.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - DAYPauline strolls into her
bedroom and drops her school bag down. She plucks out an opera record
to play on her radiogram.
HONORA
walks in, waving a letter.
HONORA
This arrived today, Yvonne . . .
Pauline looks at her mother with distaste.
PAULINE
My name is Gina!
HONORA
It's a letter from the school . . . from Miss Stewart.
PAULINE
What does old Stew want?
HONORA
She says the standard of your work is slipping. At this rate she
doesn't think you'll get School Certificate.
PAULINE
Who cares!
HONORA
I care . . . your father cares . . . we want you to have a good
education.
PAULINE
I'm educating myself!
HONORA
You're failing English . . . you used to be top of the class- PAULINE
I'm doing my own writing!
HONORA
snatches up an exercise book from a large pile.
HONORA
These stories are not going to get you School Certificate! You don't
seriously think anyone's going to publish them?
PAULINE
(Scornful) What do you know? You wouldn't know the first thing about
writing. You're the most ignorant person I've ever met!
HONORA
is very angry.
HONORA
You're rude . . . rude and insolent! I don't see why I should keep a
horrid child like you at school a minute longer.
PAULINE
(Shouting) I don't wanna be in bloody school!
HONORA
(Shouting) All right! You go out there and get a job and you damn well
pay your own way!
HONORA
storms out of the room and slams the door.
INT. DIGBY'S TYPING SCHOOL - DAYOPEN ON . . . SIGN ON DOOR:
Digby's Commercial College
Pauline sits amongst rows of young ladies, typing. MISS DIGBY patrols
the aisles. Pauline looks bored and morose as she stabs dejectedly at
the keys.
INT. ILAM BATHROOM - NIGHTPauline and Juliet are lying in a steaming
bath - facing each other from opposite ends. Pauline is very upset.
PAULINE
I think I'm going crazy.
JULIET
No, you're not, Gina-it's everybody else who is bonkers!
PAULINE
Let's go overseas . . .
JULIET
You mean travel by ourselves?
Pauline nods.
JULIET
Where shall we go? Not the Bahamas; it's bloody awful!
A few moments of silence as the girls contemplate.
JULIET
(Excited) Of course! It's so obvious!
CUT TO:
INT. ILAM/CORRIDOR - NIGHTHenry is walking down the corridor in his
dressing gown, carrying a glass of milk.
He pauses as he overhears giggles and splashes coming from the
bathroom. He puts his ear to the door . . .
JULIET
(O.S.) I know . . . I'll lean back and put my hair on my shoulders-then
I'll look just like Veronica Lake!
Sound of a camera clicking.
PAULINE
(O.S.) Stay still or they'll be blurry . . .
JULIET
(O.S.) Hurry up! I'm freezing!
PAULINE
(O.S.) Just a couple more . . .
JULIET
(O.S.) I know, I'll lean forward and show more cleavage!
Henry frowns. Sounds of a camera clicking.
INT. ILAM/HILDA'S BEDROOM - NIGHTHilda is preparing for bed.
Henry opens the door and enters.
HENRY Those girls are up to something in the bathroom! I think they're
taking photographs of each other!
HILDA Just leave them alone, Henry.
HENRY I'm prepared to tolerate that Rieper girl's presence but I will
not stand for any . . . hanky-panky.
HILDA I'm sure it's all perfectly innocent.
INT. ILAM/LOUNGE - NIGHTTRACKING ALONG . . . a mantelpiece of
knickknacks. Juliet's hand grabs three pieces.
Pauline and Juliet hurry around the darkened lounge, lifting various
bits of silver and china. They are dressed their nighties.
PAULINE
(Whispers) I'm sure they'll notice things missing.
JULIET
(Whispers) They'll blame the bloody housekeeper. She nicks stuff all
the times!
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPauline and Juliet are lying in
Juliet's bed, their booty spread around them.
JULIET
This lot's got to be worth 50 quid!
PAULINE
I can try my father's safe. I'm sure I can get the keys to his office.
JULIET
That's great! We'll have the fare in no time!
RIEPERS' HOUSE - DAWNSunrise over 31 Gloucester St.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/KITCHEN/DINING ROOM/LAUNDRY - MORNINGSERIES OF VERY
QUICK SHOTS . . .
Pauline doing housework: sweeping floors, ironing, hanging washing,
folding, dusting, cleaning bath . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I rose at 5:30 this morning and did housework before 8
o'clock, including taking Wendy her breakfast in bed. I feel very
pleased with myself on the whole and also the future.
Pauline spins around and stares straight into the CAMERA.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We are so brilliantly clever.
ILAM GROUNDS - DAYWHACK! A tennis ball is hit by a racquet.
Hilda and Walter Perry are playing mixed doubles on the court laid out
in the Ilam grounds, behind the house.
SUPER: "Two Weeks Later"
It's a sunny, festive afternoon. Picnic blankets are laid out around
the tennis court. Tables of food and colourful awnings have been
erected around the lawn.
Henry is chatting to some friends beside the tennis courts.
Thirty cars are filling the drive in front of the house. People are
wandering around, admiring the gardens.
Dr. Bennett and his wife, PEARL, are strolling along the edge of the
river. SUDDENLY . . .
SPLASH!!! . . . Dr. Bennett and Pearl are drenched in a shower of water
as a large rock lands in the river beside them.
CUT TO:
Pauline and Juliet in the bushes across the river from the Bennetts.
Juliet is peering through the foliage. Pauline has just clearly hurled
the rock.
JULIET
Direct hit! Gave his trousers a good soaking! Everyone will think he's
peed himself!
They dissolve into giggles.
CUT BACK:
To the Bennetts . . . and some other GUESTS as they hear the sound of
giggling and rustling leaves.
CUT TO:
Pauline and Juliet strolling through the thick undergrowth, eating
bunches of grapes and drinking straight from a sherry decanter.
JULIET
(Mouth full) Bloody Bill's sniffing around Mummy something chronic.
They pause by a tree, with a clear view across the river to Hilda and
Walter playing tennis.
PAULINE
I thought he was supposed to be terribly ill.
JULIET
(Sarcastic) That was what we were led to believe . . .
INSERT SCENE:
INT. ILAM/DINING ROOM - NIGHTHenry, Hilda, Jonathon and Juliet are
having an evening meal.
HILDA Henry . . . I'm terribly worried about Bill Perry. He's just had
a spell in hospital and has nowhere to convalesce.
HENRY No?
HILDA I've offered him the flat . . . he really shouldn't be left by
himself . . . not in his condition.
Juliet is eating, quietly watching her parents.
JULIET
(V.O.) I was looking forward to the ambulance arriving . . .
CUT TO:
EXT. ILAM DRIVEWAY - DAYAn ambulance is parked outside the house, light
flashing.
Walter Perry is lifted out on a stretcher, looking terribly ill . . .
croaking and gasping.
JULIET
(V.O.) There's something desperately exciting about bodies on
stretchers . . . (Regretfully) But it wasn't like that at all!
CUT TO:
SAME SCENE - BUT:No ambulance or stretchers . . . Walter hops out of a
cab, looking fit and healthy. Hilda steps out of the house, followed by
Juliet.
HILDA Bill! I hope the trip didn't tire you.
WALTER Not in the least! (To Juliet) Hello! (Looks at house) What a
splendid place!
INT. ILAM/WALTER'S FLAT - DAYHilda and Walter stroll into the flat.
HILDA It used to be the servants' quarters, but it's very comfortable.
WALTER Oh, corker!
Hilda and Walter wander into another room . . . Henry struggles through
the front door carrying Walter's cases.
CUT TO: EXT. ILAM GROUNDS - DAY (SCENE CONTINUES)Pauline and Juliet are
finishing their grapes as they watch Hilda and Walter on the tennis
court.
JULIET
Poor Mother was completely taken in.
PAULINE
Do you think Bloody Bill's trying to get into her draws?
JULIET
Too right . . . but he doesn't have a show! Nobody gets into Mother's
draws except Daddy!
They watch as Henry scampers across the lawn after the tennis ball.
PAULINE
(Quietly) Poor Father . . .
JULIET
(Comforting) Don't worry, Gina! Mummy and Daddy love each other.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' MOUSE/BATHROOM NIGHT
Pauline is lying in the bath, writing in her exercise book
She turns the page and calls out.
PAULINE
Just washing my hair now, Laurie. Won't be a moment.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/CORRIDOR NIGHT
Laurie is seated outside the bathroom door. He is dressed in a
bathrobe, and has a new change of clothes on his lap.
HONORA
is walking past with an armful of washing.
HONORA
Is she still in there?
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/BATHROOM NIGHTThere is knocking at the door . . .
HONORA
(O.S.) Pauline . . . Come on, you've had enough time.
Pauline sighs.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/CORRIDOR - NIGHTHONORA
knocks harder.
PAULINE
(O.S.) (Facetious) Yes, yes, yes!
HONORA
(Angry) You open up this door right now!
Sound of Pauline getting out of the bathwater.
PAULINE
(O.S.) (Angry) I'm bloody dressing as fast as I can, for God's sake!
HONORA
(Angry) Open this door!
The door opens and Pauline strolls out, a towel around her. HONORA
starts berating her. However, we only hear Pauline's V.O. as HONORA
follows her down the corridor.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Mother gave me a fearful along the usual strain.
Pauline pauses by her bedroom door as HONORA
continues talking to her.
CLOSE UP . . . HONORA
talking to Pauline, soundlessly.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I rang Deborah immediately as I had to tell someone
sympathetic how I loathed Mother.
EXT. ILAM HOUSE - NIGHTIlam at night. All the lights are off.
INT. ILAM/CORRIDOR NIGHT
CREEPING POV . . . down the CORRIDOR.
TILT UP to reveal . . . Juliet, listening intently to coming from
behind a bedroom door.
SUPER: "23rd April 1954"
Juliet's hand reaches for the door handle.
INT. ILAM/WALTER PERRY'S BEDROOM - NIGHTThe bedroom door flies open . .
. Juliet quickly flicks on the light.
ZIP PAN AROUND TO . . . Hilda and Walter sitting bolt upright in bed! A
tray of tea sits on a bedside table.
JULIET
The balloon has gone up!
HILDA What on Earth are you talking about? Mr. Perry is ill . . . I've
brought him a cup of tea.
WALTER Would you like one, Juliet?
JULIET
Don't try and fob me off! It's going to cost you a hundred pounds, or
I'm blabbing to Daddy!
Hilda looks at Walter, appalled. She looks Juliet square in the eye.
HILDA Mr. Perry and I are in love, Juliet.
Juliet s eyes widen at this unexpected confession.
WALTER Hilda!
HILDA Your father knows about us. Until other arrangements can be made,
we've decided to live as a threesome.
Juliet looks confused. Tears spring to her eyes.
JULIET
(Angry) I don't care what you do! Pauline and I are going to Hollywood.
They're desperately keen to sign us up. We're going to be film stars!
HILDA What are you talking about?
JULIET
(Yelling) It's all arranged . . . we don't need your bloody hundred
pounds anyway, so stick it up your bottom!
Juliet turns and leaves, slamming the door.
Hilda puts her head in her hands.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - MORNINGTRACKING BACK . . . Pauline is furiously cycling
through rain and wind.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Deborah told me the stupendous news! I'm going out to Ilam
as we have much to talk over.
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - MORNINGPauline pushes the front door open and steps
inside. All is quiet in the house.
Rain is pelting down outside.
PAULINE
(Calling out) Hello?
No reply . . . Pauline goes up the stairs.
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - MORNINGPauline enters the bedroom . . .
Juliet is lying in bed, looking pale and upset.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Deborah was still in bed when I arrived.
Pauline rushes over to the bed. Juliet grabs her and hugs tightly.
WHIZ PAN AROUND and FAST TRACK IN TO . . . Henry standing in the
doorway.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Dr. Hulme asked us to come into the lounge to have a talk
with him.
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - MORNINGJuliet is wrapped in a blanket. Pauline has
an arm around her shoulders as they walk toward the lounge.
Hilda walks past and Juliet glares hatefully at her.
INT. ILAM/LOUNGE - MORNINGTRACK IN . . . to a CLOSE-UP of Henry,
sitting in a big leather chair.
HENRY Your mother and I are getting divorced.
Juliet is in shock. She clutches Pauline's hand.
MOVE IN . . . to CLOSE-UP of Pauline.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) The shock is too great to have penetrated my mind. It is
so incredible. Poor Father. Dr. Hulme was absolutely kind and
understanding . . .
Pauline's V.O. continues over . . .
A conversation between Henry and the two girls. The large lounge at
Ilam is dark and cold. The mood is bleak.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) He said we must tell him everything about our going to
America. He was both hope-giving and depressing. We talked for a long
time and Deborah and I were near tears by the time it was over.
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - MORN I NGPauline's V.O. continues over . . .
Henry ushers Pauline and Juliet out of the lounge. He walks Pauline
toward the front door.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) What is to be the future now? We may all be going to Italy
and dozens of other places, or not all. We none of us know where we are
and a good deal depends on chance.
EXT. ILAM/DRIVEWAY - MORNING
Pauline's V.O. continues over . . .
Pauline rides her bicycle down the drive in the rain.
Dr. Hulme is standing at the door, watching her go . . . a stoney
expression on his face.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Dr. Hulme is the noblest and most wonderful person I have
ever known of.
Henry shuts the door.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPauline's V.O. continues
over . . .
Pauline is lying in bed, writing in her diary.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) One thing Deborah and I are sticking to: through
everything, we sink or swim together.
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - NIGHTJuliet is propped up in bed, looking
sick and pale. Hilda is sitting by the side of the bed. Henry stands at
the foot of the bed, hands behind his back.
HENRY Your mother and I have talked things over and we've made some
decisions . . . I am resigning from the university and will be taking
up a position back in England.
Juliet looks horrified.
JULIET
(Vehemently) But Daddy, you can't just leave me with Mother!
Hilda looks hurt.
HILDA We thought it best that you accompany your father. . .
JULIET
(Worried) Is Gina coming, too?
HENRY (Annoyed) Of course not!
JULIET
(Angry) I'm not going to England without Gina!
Hilda and Henry exchange an awkward glance.
HILDA You're not going to England, darling.
Juliet looks confused.
HENRY I'm leaving you in South Africa with Auntie Ina.
Juliet starts to tremble.
HILDA That chest of yours isn't getting any better. The warmer climate
is just what you need . . .
HENRY For the good of your health.
Juliet opens her mouth and screams.
CRASH CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPauline is crouched on her
bed, hugging her knees. She stares intensely ahead.
PAULINE
(Intense) The Hulmes will look after me. They want me to live with
them!
HONORA
Don't be so ridiculous. You're our daughter, you belong here with us.
PAULINE
I belong with Deborah! We're going to South Africa!
HONORA
You're not going anywhere. You're 15 years old!!
PAULINE
(Intense) You have to let me go!
HONORA
stands and walks toward the door.
HONORA
We'll talk about this when you've calmed down.
HONORA
pauses at the door. Pauline is slowly rocking on the bed, staring at
the wall.
CLOSE-UP . . . Pauline's face as we hear her diary V.O.:
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I felt thoroughly depressed and even quite seriously
considered committing suicide. Life seems so much not worth the living,
death such an easy way out.
HONORA
Love, you can still write to each other.
HONORA
softly touches Pauline's cheek. Pauline winces, averting her face.
MOVE IN . . . to EXTREME CLOSE-UP of Pauline's eyes.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Anger against Mother boiled up inside me as it is she who
is one of the main obstacle in my path. Suddenly a means of ridding
myself of this obstacle occurred to me. If she were to die . . .
CUT TO:
INT. UNIVERSITY HALL - DAYCLOSE-UP . . . a cloth is whipped away
revealing a portrait of Henry painted by Rudi Gopez.
Henry is on stage for the unveiling. He shakes hands with PROFESSOR 2.
Hilda is sitting amongst various dignitaries on the stage.
PROFESSOR 1 is at the podium.
PROFESSOR 1 I can not begin to attempt to measure the inestimable value
of Dr. Hulme's contributions to Canterbury College, both social and
official. We wish both him and Mrs. Hulme all the best for the future.
On sound of large audience clapping:
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/HALLWAY - DAYCLOSE ON . . . black & white newspaper
photo of large audience in the hall.
PULL OUT . . . to reveal newspaper story entitled "Canterbury College
Bids Farewell to Rector Today."
PULL OUT FURTHER . . . as the CAMERA rises vertically above Pauline.
She is slumped on the hall floor, holding the phone to her ear. The
newspaper lies open beside her.
JULIET
(O.S.) (Through phone) Everything's going to be okay, Gina. Mr. Perry's
promised to give me 50 pounds for my horse . . .
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - DAYJuliet is in the Ilam hallway, talking into the
phone . . . Walter and Hilda are visible in the lounge beyond.
JULIET
(Hushed) That's a hundred and twenty! It's another 30 pounds and we've
got the fare!
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/HALLWAY - DAYPauline looks very upset.
PAULINE
(Upset) It's no bloody good . . . I went to the passport office today.
They won't give me one till I'm 20.
CUT between Pauline and Juliet . . .
JULIET
But that's not true! I've got one.
PAULINE
(Choked up) I need my sodding parents' consent.
Tears well in Juliet's eyes.
JULIET
(Sobbing) Don't cry, Gina . . . We're not going to be separated. They
can't make us . . . they can't!
Hilda quietly looms up behind Juliet. She gently takes the phone out of
Juliet's hand and puts it back on the receiver. Juliet struggles in
Hilda's arms, pushing her mother away, screaming.
Pauline stands holding the dead phone.
HONORA
Yvonne.
Pauline turns and faces her mother.
HONORA
Please don't be like this, love.
Pauline gives HONORA
a cursory glance and walks past her, up the stairs. HONORA
looks after her, a hurt expression on her face.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I did not tell Deborah of my plans for removing Mother. I
have made no decision yet as the last fate I wish to meet is one in a
borstal. I am trying to think of some way.
CUT TO:
EXT. RIEPERS' BACK GARDEN - DAYTHWACK! . . . An ax chops into a log,
splitting it in two.
HERBERT
is chopping firewood in the back garden. HONORA
approaches him.
HONORA
I've just had Hilda Hulme on the phone.
HERBERT
What now?
HONORA
She says Juliet's in a terrible state . . .
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/LOUNGE - DAYHONORA
and HERBERT
are sitting with Hilda in the lounge.
HILDA She's uncontrollable. I've told her that Pauline is not going to
South Africa, but she refuses to accept it.
HERBERT
and HONORA
exchange a glance.
HILDA I expect you've heard the same from your own daughter.
HONORA
shakes her head.
HONORA
(Upset) Yvonne hasn't spoken to me for nearly two weeks.
HILDA Yes . . . well, it hasn't been an easy time for any of us, Mrs.
Rieper.
HERBERT
She's cut us out of her life . . . it's been causing her mother and I a
lot of worry.
HILDA What I'm suggesting is that we let the girls spend these last
three weeks together. We'd like Pauline to come and stay with Juliet,
until she leaves.
HERBERT
Is that a good idea?
HERBERT
looks at HONORA
. . . tears are running down her cheeks. He stands and ushers Hilda
toward the door.
HERBERT
Why don't I telephone you tonight, Mrs. Hulme?
HILDA Yes, of course.
HERBERT
accompanies Hilda into the hallway.
HONORA
breaks down into heavy sobs.
CUT TO:
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - DAYThe front door swings open. Pauline is standing
on the step, framed by the doorway, suitcase in hand.
SUPER: "11th June 1954"
Mario Lanza's "The Loveliest Night of the Year" begins and continues
over the next few scenes.
Pauline walks into the empty hallway . . . SUDDENLY!
Juliet sweeps down the stairs in a rush of sparkling light. She is
dressed in her mother's glittering ballgown.
Juliet takes Pauline's hand, and together they sweep into . . .
INT. ILAM/LOUNGE - DAY . . .. . . the LOUNGE.
Pauline's drab clothes transform into a ballgown as she passes through
the doorway.
The song soars as they waltz into the middle of the ballroom . . .
Pauline spins . . . in a blur she sees decorations and faces all
around.
Pauline gasps as Diello takes her by the waist and waltzes around the
room. Characters from Borovnia fill the room. Juliet dances with
Charles.
A man in a dark suit turns around . . . MARIO! He launches into the
second verse!
Pauline laughs happily as she is swept around and around.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We realised why Deborah and I have such extraordinary
telepathy and why people treat us and look at us the way they do. It is
because we are MAD. We are both stark raving MAD!
They are no longer in the lounge - at some point the waltz has
dissolved into . . .
EXT. BOROVNIA CASTLE COURTYARD - NIGHT. . . the courtyard in Borovnia
Castle.
The crowds continue dancing to "The Loveliest Night of the Year."
A doorway in the courtyard . . . Henry Hulme is lurking in the shadows,
peering out. He is dressed like a jester with cap and bells. The CAMERA
PUSHES IN . . . to a distorted FISHEYE SHOT of Henry.
Pauline's V.O. continues, building in intensity . . .
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Dr. Hulme is MAD, as MAD as a March hare!
At the conclusion of the song . . . TWO BURLY BOROVNIAN EXECUTIONERS
swing their axes down, chopping a couple of ropes. A huge banner
unfurls down the side of the castle tower. In embroidered letters three
stories tall is the word . . .
MAD!
INT. CINEMA - NIGHTBANG! . . . a gunshot! CLOSE ON . . . Pauline's face
flinching at the sound, a flash of light.
BANG! . . . CLOSE ON . . . Juliet flinching.
Black & white image of Orson Welles shooting a pistol from The Third
Man.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) It was the first time I had ever seen It. Deborah had
always told me how hideous he was!
Pauline and Juliet are sitting in the cinema, absorbed in the film.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) It is appalling. He is dreadful. I have never in my life
seen anything in the same category of hideousness . . . but I adore
him!
CUT TO:
EXT. CHRISTCHURCH STREETS - NIGHTPauline and Juliet run along dark,
damp, atmospheric streets.
Orson Welles steps out of the shadowy alley into the light. He leers at
them. The girls scream! They turn to run, but Orson looms out of
another alley.
Pauline and Juliet squeal and run about. PASSERSBY observe their antics
with some alarm.
INT. ILAM/HALLWAY - NIGHTThe front door bursts open. Pauline and Juliet
run in, still in a state of high excitement.
They charge up the stairs.
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - NIGHTPauline and Juliet tumble into the
bedroom, only to find Orson lurking behind the door! They scream and
flee along the balcony only to be greeted by Orson at the other end!
They run back into the bedroom and collapse onto the bed, screaming and
giggling.
PUSH IN . . . to Pauline's exalted face.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We talked for some time about It, getting ourselves more
and more excited.
A huge shadow of a figure, dressed in hat and cape, rises on the
bedroom wall behind the girls, threatening to engulf them.
MUSIC SWELLS UP . . .
Pauline comes down on top of Juliet, kissing her on the lips . . .
Pauline's hands slipping Juliet's blouse off her shoulders.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We enacted how each saint would make love in bed.
Juliet heaves on the bed, Pauline leans over and . . . MORPHS into
Orson Welles!
CUT TO INT. BOROVNIA CASTLE - NIGHTDiello thrusts and grunts, as if
making love. He steps back holding a bloody sword. A slain peasant
drops at his feet.
CLOSE-UP . . . Pauline moaning and thrashing.
CLOSE-UP . . . Diello swinging from side to side as he hacks a peasant
to pieces.
INTERCUT WITH SHOTS of Pauline and Juliet intertwined with Orson and
Diello. Pauline and Juliet sometimes change into their Plasticine
counterparts, Deborah and Gina.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We spent a hectic night going through the saints. It was
wonderful! Heavenly! Beautiful! And ours! We felt satisfied indeed. We
have now learned the peace of the thing called Bliss, the joy of the
thing called Sin.
INT. ILAM/BATHROOM - NIGHTBATHWATER
Pauline and Juliet are soaking in opposite ends of a steaming bathtub.
A few moments silence. Juliet looks blankly at Pauline. A tear rolls
down her cheek.
PAULINE
I'm coming with you.
JULIET
Yes . . .
PAULINE
I know what to do about mother.
Juliet's eyes narrow.
PAULINE
We don't want to go to too much trouble . . . some sort of accident.
A moment of silence.
PAULINE
People die every day.
CLOSE ON . . . Juliet's face.
Silence.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. ILAM/GROUNDS - DAYCLOSE ON . . . Pauline and Juliet clasping
hands.
PULL OUT . . . they are standing in the beautiful sunny gardens,
holding hands. Both girls are dressed in pretty summer frocks.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) Our main idea for the day was to moider mother.
REVERSE ANGLE . . . Pauline and Juliet walk toward the house. Unicorns
are grazing in the Ilam garden. Fairies dance in the air. Large
dragonflies hover around the girls.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) This notion is not a new one but this time it is a
definite plan which we intend to carry out. We have worked it out
carefully and are both thrilled by the idea. Naturally we feel a trifle
nervous, but the pleasure of anticipation is great.
EXT. ILAM GROUNDS - NIGHTCLOSE-UP . . . James Mason's photo lands in a
roaring fire and is immediately consumed by the flames. Photos of Mel
Ferrer, Michael Rennie and Orson Welles follow.
Pauline and Juliet are standing by a roaring fire in the Ilam grounds.
They throw Mario records onto the flames. The black vinyl curls and
melts. Their Plasticine figures are next. Globs of melted Plasticine
drip amidst the burning debris.
It is clearly a strange, ritualistic burning. Pauline and Juliet watch
the fire, enraptured.
JULIET
Only the best people fight against all obstacles . . .
Juliet squeezes Pauline's hand.
JULIET
. . . in pursuit of happiness.
WIDE SHOT of the fire.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) We both spent last night having a simply wonderful time in
every possible way.
FADE TO BLACK
INT. RIEPERS' CAR/EXT. STREETS - DAYFADE IN . . . CLOSE-UP of Pauline's
face. SLOWLY PULL OUT . . . to reveal HONORA
and HERBERT
sitting in the front of the car. They are driving home.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I was picked up at 2:00 P.M. I have been very sweet and
good. I have worked out a little more of our plan. Peculiarly enough I
have no qualms of conscience.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE - DAYHONORA
is bustling about the house, working. Every time she bends down, or
leans over, Pauline is revealed behind her. She is helping, but the
mood is one of a hunter closing in on its prey.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O.) I rose late and helped Mother vigorously this morning.
Deborah rang and we decided to use a rock in a stocking rather than a
sandbag. We discussed the moider fully. I feel very keyed up as though
I were planning a surprise party. Mother has fallen in with everything
beautifully and the happy event is to take place tomorrow afternoon. So
next time I write in this diary Mother will be dead. How odd-yet how
pleasing.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BALCONY - DAYJuliet is singing a haunting aria.
Tears are welling in her eyes. The aria continues over . . .
EXT. OCEANLINER'S DECK - DAY BLACK & WHITE . . .Pauline and Juliet are
happily bounding along the decks, pushing past OTHER PASSENGERS. They
are wearing holiday clothes.
We see a repeat of the same OCEANLINER SHOTS that opened the film.
They run toward a MAN and a WOMAN.
JULIET
Mummy!
PAULINE
Mummy!
CAMERA MOVES toward . . . Henry and Hilda as they turn and happily
greet the two girls. Hilda kisses Juliet, then Pauline on the cheek.
Henry and Hilda hug the girls and stand together as a tight group.
MOVE IN ON . . . Pauline, looking radiantly happy. Pauline hugs Hilda
tightly. Tears well in her eyes. She gazes at Juliet. Slowly their
faces come together in profile, filling the screen. They kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - MORNINGPauline opens her eyes
and sits up in bed.
INT. ILAM/JULIET'S BEDROOM - MORNINGJuliet opens her eyes and sits up
in bed.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - MORNINGCLOSE-UP . . . Pauline's
bedside clock. . . 6:37 A.M.
Pauline is sitting in bed, writing in her diary. CLOSE-UP . . .
Pauline's pen writing:
The . . . Day . . . of . . . the . . . Happy . . . Event.
PAULINE
(Diary V.O..) I am writing a little of this up on the morning before
the death. I felt very excited and the night-before-Christmas-ish last
night. I am about to rise.
CUT TO:
EXT. ILAM/GROUNDS - MORNINGLOW ANGLE . . . bricks, piled up beside the
garage.
Juliet takes one . . . weighs it in her hands, then takes a smaller
half-brick.
HENRY (O.S.) (Calling) Juliet!
Juliet quickly wraps the brick in newspaper and puts it in her satchel.
CUT TO:
Henry standing by the car.
HENRY Thought I'd lost you.
Juliet hurries from behind the garage. Hilda appears at the front door.
She makes eye contact with Juliet and turns away.
Juliet hesitates and then rushes over to her mother.
JULIET
Mummy!
HILDA You've got roses in your cheeks . . . I haven't seen that in such
a long time. Have a lovely time, darling.
JULIET
I will . . . I'm so looking forward to it!
Juliet gives Hilda a hug. Hilda smiles at her daughter.
HILDA Bye.
Juliet beams, turns and skips toward the car. Henry arches an eyebrow
and shrugs at Hilda. He starts the car up.
CLOSE-UP . . . Henry's wristwatch . . . 10:33.
EXT. STREET - MORNINGTRACKING with Henry's black car as it cruises
along.
INT. HULMES' CAR - MORNINGJuliet is sitting next to Henry . . .
sunlight flickers on her face. She sits back smiling, eyes shut,
looking radiantly happy.
EXT. STREET - MORNINGThe black car glides to a halt outside some shops.
Juliet hops out.
JULIET
Bye, Daddy . . . see you tonight.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/KITCHEN - MORNINGHONORA
is mixing up some pikelet batter. Pauline is buttering bread . . . a
great pile.
HONORA
Whoa . . . there s enough there to feed an army!
The front door opens and Juliet comes into the kitchen.
JULIET
Hello!
HONORA
Hello, Juliet. Juliet take off her jacket.
HONORA
Oh-what a nice outfit!
JULIET
Thank you. I bought it especially, Mrs. Rieper.
MOVE IN . . . to clock . . . 11:05.
Juliet puts her bags on the table. Her satchel drops with a clunk.
Pauline's eyes flick to the satchel, then up to Juliet.
HONORA
is bending down, pulling a tray of sausage rolls into the oven. Both
girls look at HONORA
silently.
HONORA
turns around and Juliet presents her with a brown paper bag.
JULIET
Fruit.
HONORA
Oh! I'll pop them in a bowl.
HONORA
picks up the satchel. Pauline and Juliet tense up . . . as HONORA
puts the satchel on a chair.
PAULINE
Let's go upstairs, Deborah. I wrote the last 10 pages of my opera last
night.
JULIET
(Vacantly) All right, then.
Juliet follows Pauline out of the room. Pauline has to nip back and
grab the satchel.
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/PAULINE'S BEDROOM - DAYCLOSE-UP . . . The newspaper
is unwrapped to reveal the half-brick.
Pauline is sitting on her bed looking at the brick.
Juliet stands beside her. She tugs at her collar.
JULIET
Do you feel sweaty? I feel sweaty.
Pauline opens a draw and pulls out a stocking.
PAULINE
It's a three-act story with a tragic end.
JULIET
Your mother is a rather miserable woman . . . isn't she?
PAULINE
I thought for hours about whether Carmelita should accept Bernard's
marriage proposal . . .
JULIET
I think she knows what's going to happen . . . she doesn't appear to
bear us any grudge!
Pauline puts the brick in the stocking and ties a knot in the foot.
PAULINE
. . . but in the end I decided against it. I thought it would spoil all
their fun.
Pauline puts the brick in her shoulder bag.
JULIET
(Bitterly) Affairs are much more exciting than marriages . . . as Mummy
can testify!
They both laugh.
CUT TO:
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/DINING ROOM - DAYClock on wall . . . 12:16.
Pauline and Juliet are laughing loudly.
PULL OUT . . . across the table to reveal Honora, Herbert, Wendy,
Pauline and Juliet in the middle of lunch.
PAULINE
It's true! He was spotted in the lingerie department, eh, Wendy?
WENDY There's nothing wrong with Sir Edmund Hillary buying underwear
for his wife. He was a very nice man!
JULIET
I bet it was thermal underwear!
Pauline roars with laughter.
PAULINE
I bet he pitches a tent in the middle of their bedroom, and they have
to pretend to be on some mountain!
HONORA
That's enough, Yvonne!
Juliet roars with laughter. The others don't laugh.
HERBERT
That man's a credit to the nation.
Pauline and Juliet dissolve into giggles.
HONORA
Right . . . who's going to help me clear away?
WENDY I will, Mum . . . anything to get away from Laurel and Hardy!
INT. RIEPERS' HOUSE/KITCHEN - DAYPauline and Juliet are putting dishes
away.
HERBERT
I'd better be getting back. Bye, love.
HERBERT
pulls his coat on. HONORA
gives him a peck cheek.
HONORA
Bye.
HERBERT
Have a nice outing, you lot.
PAULINE
Bye, Dad.
JULIET
Goodbye, Mr. Rieper.
HERBERT
wanders out. HONORA
turns to Pauline and Juliet.
HONORA
Well . . . I better make myself a bit more presentable.
CLOSE-UP . . . kitchen clock . . . 1:13.
INT. BUS - DAYCLOSE-UP . . . clock on bus dashboard . . . 2:23.
HONORA
is sitting at the back with Pauline and Juliet bus winds its way toward
the Cashmere Hills.
EXT. BUS TERMINUS/VICTORIA PARK - DAYBus destination sign rushes up to
CAMERA and stop . . . "Victoria Park."
The doors open and Honora, Pauline and Juliet climb out. Pauline
carries her shoulder bag.
VICTORIA PARK . . . a very bushy, tree-clad hillside.
JULIET
Isn't it beautiful!
PAULINE
Let's go for a walk down here . . . come on, Mummy!
HONORA
spots a tea kiosk.
HONORA
I'd like a cuppa tea first! Come on!
HONORA
heads toward the kiosk.
Pauline hoists the bag back up on her shoulder.
CUT TO:
INT. TEA KIOSK - DAYTray of tea and scones covered in jam and cream.
Pauline and Juliet are scoffing scones as HONORA
drains her cup of tea. Pauline notices HONORA
glancing at the last remaining scone.
PAULINE
(Gently) You have it.
HONORA
Oh, no. I'm watching my figure.
JULIET
But you're not fat, Mrs. Rieper!
HONORA
I put on a lot of weight over Christmas.
CLOSE-UP . . . clock on wall . . . 3:02.
LOUD TICKING . . .
Pauline pushes the plate to Honora.
PAULINE
Go on, Mum, treat yourself.
Honora's will weakens. She picks up the scone and takes a big bite.
CUT TO:
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - DAYPuccini's "Humming Chorus" plays
over:
Honora, Pauline and Juliet walking down a narrow, bushy track.
Pauline leads, with HONORA
behind her. Juliet lags further behind.
They walk over a small bridge. Pauline glances back at Juliet. Juliet
hesitates and then drops something on the path.
Several yards beyond the bridge, HONORA
stops. She looks at her wristwatch . . . 3:17.
The music ends.
HONORA
Yvonne, love, we should be going back . . . we don't want to miss the
bus.
HONORA
turns around.
HONORA
Juliet . . . button up your coat, dear. You'll get a chill.
Juliet slowly starts to button her overcoat, as she turns around and
walks back toward the bridge.
Pauline is walking right behind Honora. She slips the bag off her
shoulder.
They walk on.
Pauline stops . . . points at the ground.
PAULINE
Look, Mother!
HONORA
looks down at the ground in front of her.
STEP-PRINTED SLOW MOTION SEQUENCE . . .
MOVE I N . . . to a small pink stone lying on the ground.
MOVE IN . . . to Honora's puzzled face.
She starts to bend down.
Juliet turns around.
Pauline reaches into the shoulder bag.
Honora's fingers reach the pink stone.
Back of Honora's head.
The brick emerges from the bag.
Honora's hand picks up the pink stone.
Pauline swings the brick down toward Honora's head.
SOUND OF THE IMPACT . . . Honora's fingers release the pink stone.
HONORA
falls to her knees . . . raising a hand to her head . . . starts to
turn . . .
LOW ANGLE . . . Pauline, hesitating . . . the reality of her actions
have flooded in. She looks distraught, then, with renewed resolve, she
suddenly swings the brick down toward CAMERA.
SOUND OF IMPACT.
INTERCUT WITH
EXT. WHARF/OCEANLINER - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
SHIP'S FUNNEL BELLOWS. Streamers float from ship to shore. Crowds
frantically waving on the wharf as the liner prepares for departure.
Pauline pushes desperately through the THRONG OF PEOPLE on the wharf,
trying to reach the ship.
She stumbles . . .
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - DAY
HONORA
falls to the ground . . . blood trickling down her face. She's panting
heavily.
Pauline swings the brick down again.
EXT. WHARF/OCEANLINER - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
SOUND OF IMPACT.
Gangplank hauled up. Docking ropes thrown off.
Pauline is frantic . . . she's going to miss the ship. She cries out .
. .
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - DAYPauline swings the brick down.
SOUND OF IMPACT.
Honora's fingers scratch at the stoney ground. Juliet's feet are
walking toward CAMERA in b.g.
TILT UP . . . Juliet looms over.
HIGH ANGLE . . . HONORA
looking up at Juliet, her face imploring.
EXT. WHARF/OCEANLINER - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
Juliet, looking very upset.
PULL OUT . . . she is leaning over the rail on the liner's deck.
Pauline on the wharf, unable to reach the ship. She reaches out
forJuliet.
Juliet reaches out . . .
EXT. VICTORIA PARK/BUSHY TRACK - DAYJuliet's hand . . . takes hold of
the stocking. . .
Pauline's hands grab Honora's neck and push her down, into the mud.
Juliet swings the brick down.
EXT. WHARF/OCEANLINER - DAYBLACK & WHITE . . .
Pauline . . . screaming hysterically.
Juliet on the liner . . . tears streaming down her face.
WIDE SHOT . . . liner steams away from the dock.
CLOSE-UP . . . Pauline, sobbing on the wharf.
CLOSE-UP . . . Juliet, tearful. She slowly raises her hand and waves
goodbye to Pauline.
JULIET
(Whispers) I'm sorry.
PULL OUT . . . Henry and Hilda are standing on either side of Juliet.
They both put a comforting arm around their distraught daughter's
shoulders.
CLOSE-UP . . . Pauline looking devastated.
SLOWLY PULL OUT from Pauline's face . . . she stands alone, sobbing.
FADE TO BLACK
PAULINE
(V.O.) (Anguished) No!
SONG FADES UP. . .
Mario Lanza singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."
A SERIES OF CARDS explains what happened subsequently:
In the hours following Honora's murder, a police search of the Rieper
house unearthed Pauline's dairies. This resulted in her immediate
arrest for the murder her mother.
Juliet was arrested and charged with murder the following day.
After Pauline's arrest it was discovered that Honor, HERBERT
Rieper had never married. Pauline was therefore charged under her
mother's maiden name of Parker.
In August 1954, a plea of insanity was rejected by the jury in the
Christchurch Supreme Court trial and Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme
were found guilty of murder.
Too young for the death penalty, they were sent to separate prisons to
be 'Detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure.'
Juliet was released in November 1959 and immediately left New Zealand
to join her mother overseas.
Pauline was released two weeks later, but remain New Zealand on parole
until 1965.
It was a condition of their release that they never again.
THE END
Heavenly Creatures
Release date: November 16, 1995
Directed by Peter Jackson
Produced by Jim Booth
Executive Producer: Hanno Huth
Co-Producer: Peter Jackson
A Miramax Films release of a Wingnut Films production co-produced with
Fontana Film Productions GmbH in association with the New Zealand Film
Commission.
PRINCIPAL CAST
Pauline Parker: Melanie Lynskey
Juliet Hulme: Kate Winslet
HONORA
Parker: Sarah Peirse
Hilda Hulme: Diana Kent
Henry Hulme: Clive Merrison
HERBERT
Rieper: Simon O'Connor
Published by permission of Wingnut Films.
Copyright (c) 1993 by Wingnut Films. All rights reserved.
Wingnut Films gratefully acknowledges the consent of and contributions
made by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, Senator Films, Eurofilm & Media
Limited, Miramax Films.
Illustrations (c) 1995 Paul Hamlyn
Writing and Directing Heavenly Creatures
A Talk with Frances Walsh and Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson and Frances Walsh were both born and raised in
Wellington, New Zealand. Jackson's first film, Bad Taste 1988), was
made by the director over a period of several years while he was
working as a photo apprentice at a local newspaper. Jackson's two
following films, Meet the Feebles (1990) and Braindead (1992), were co-
written with Walsh and Stephen Sinclair; the latter was a hit on the
film festival circuit, winning 16 international prizes including a best
picture award from the
Academy of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror.
Jackson and Walsh (who had previously written for episodic television
in New Zealand) co-authored the screenplay for Heavenly Creatures,
which went on to garner nominations for both an Academy Award and a
Writers Guild Award. Their latest collaboration is The Frighteners,
executive-produced
by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox; it will be released in
1996. Jackson and Walsh live in Wellington with their son, Billy.
The version of Heavenly Creatures published here is a final draft,
completed in March 1993. The screenplay was 107 pages long.
Fran, my understanding is that you were the first to become interested
in the Parker/Hulme murder case as a film subject. It seems to be a
popular topic in New Zealand.
Frances Walsh: Well, popular topic-I'm not sure about that. But it's
certainly a piece of New Zealand criminal history that has entered into
the realm of myth. And as a young girl growing up, I knew about it, and
had read lurid newspaper accounts- "Lesbian killers' rampage"?
FW: Yes, yes. And I also got my hands on a novel called Obsession,
which I read when I was about 14. I thought at the time that it was
extremely good. [laughs] It takes a very damning view of the girls-it's
written by two English journalists who came out here to cover the
trial. It was something of a hack job that set out to sensationalize
the case.
And there was also a play, wasn't there?
FW: Yeah, there's been a play, and there have been nonfiction books
written about it. There's also been a great deal of coverage over the
years in newspapers and magazines, so it's always had a profile here.
Since it had already been treated in all of these different ways, what
compelled you both to explore the subject again?
Peter Jackson: Well, we didn't really think it had been treated that
well. Nothing that we had read did we particularly like. And also, the
other various treatments all seemed to have a specific agenda, which
attempted to make political statements about the murder. What
interested us was to show these two 15-year-old girls with no other
agenda than to be as accurate as we possibly could, and to somehow
imagine what was going on inside their minds.
I know that all of Pauline's voiceovers from the film are from actual
diary entries. You made an interesting comment awhile back about how
they actually informed the structure of the film. Could you elaborate
on that?
PJ: Well, the structure was fairly apparent once we started to do
research. It wasn't just the diaries themselves, it was the general
research. We read as much of the diaries as we could-we haven't
actually ever seen the full, unedited diary-but we gathered as many of
the excerpts that were releasedat the time of the trial as we could,
which amounted to quite a few pages. And we read the newspapers, and
interviewed people, and then the three acts sort of materialized quite
neatly. You know, act one is when the two girls meet and become
friends, and the turning point is at the end of the first act when you
realize that they are now bonded.
FW: It's when they have their first delusional experience together at
Port Levy, where they go into the Fourth World. You know these two
girls have an imagination that's going to lead to something interesting
happening. The second turning point comes with the decision to murder
Mother, which tips
the story into the third act.
Whom did you interview to cull together all of this information?
PJ: Well, we went through about 35 or 40 people. We wanted to interview
as many people as we could find. Several refused. We talk to about 15
or 16 of their classmates, which was experience. These were 55-year-old
women spread out around the country, and they all had changed their
names because they'd gotten married. It was quite a detective job to
find them.
I read somewhere that the school was not particularly enthusiastic
about this; did they help you locate the ex-students?
PJ: No, the school didn't want anything to do with it. Christchurch
Girls' School had erased these two girls from their history. The
yearbook that had the class photograph with Pauline is no longer
available. If you go to the school library, they have all the yearbooks
available apart from 1953's, which has her photo in it. It sort of
cleansing of the books. The school didn't recognize what it was we were
trying to do, which was to redress the issue. Why wipe these girls off
the school records? I mean, they were human beings.
FW: Peter and Jim Booth, the producer of the movie, went to see the
headmistress of the school, and after they explained what we wanted to
do, and allowed her to read the script, her only comment was, "Why
can't you make a film about pupils of whom we are proud?"
PJ: We also heard from several sources we interviewed that on the day
after the murder happened, the headmistress at the time stood up in
front of the assembly and said, "No girl is to discuss a certain
matter." This was, like, the day after two of their pupils had murdered
somebody, and they couldn't even refer to it directly. Forty years
later, we got the sense that the school was exactly the same. And that
really gave us all the more reason to make the movie, because we felt
that these people were still
living in the 1950s. We found that with a lot of the people we
interviewed-that even though 40 years had gone by, they were still
presenting attitudes of the '50s: this was some dark, sordid little
thingthat was best kept quiet and should never be mentioned. Many times
we got, "Why on earth would you want to make a film about this?" We
should just forget about it, and hope it will somehow disappear."
And we actually thought about doing that. But within 20 or 30 years
most of the people connected with it will be dead, and at that point in
time we'll never know anything about it. We felt it was a good time
now, while there were still quite a few people alive, to do the
interviews and try to get something accurate, for the record. We were
also aware of the responsibility we had, because film is such a
persuasive medium, and we knew that, unlike any other medium-the
newspaper accounts, the play-itcan give an audience visual images,
which, in a way, almost replace the real event, especially if you
weren't born at that time. So we thought if we made a film now, perhaps
people in New Zealand would look upon this case in a different way.
That was a responsibility we felt that we didn't want to take lightly.
Pertaining to that quest for accuracy, how does one go about
reconstructing, for instance, conversations between Pauline and her
mother, or other scenes for which there is no direct documentation?
FW: Well, all you can do is attempt to find out as much as you can
about the people involve-the type of people they were, their class
background, etc. So to that degree, we spoke to people who knew the
Riepers, for example, who had good knowledge of the girls.
Did you interview any of the boarders in the Rieper house?
PJ: Yeah, I did, very briefly. We found one of the boarders, who spoke
to me on the telephone. I did the interview, and then the following day
I called him back to ask him some more questions and he clammed up; he
didn't want to talk to me anymore. He'd obviously gone home to his
wife, and she'd
wound him up about the whole thing and told him he shouldn't be
involved with it.
FW: I think our understanding when we set out to write this was that we
would never be able to re-create the right interiors, with characters
who precisely reflect the people who were really there. Our intention
was to be true to what we understood of the girls' friendship, and the
nature of that
friendship and the nature of those families from which those two girls
came. It was never an attempt to re-create reality. We could never do
that, obviously. So we went into those things with the spirit of trying
to reflect the situation, rather than reality.
PJ: The Hulme family were a lot easier to research than Pauline's
family, because the Hulmes were public figures at the time. Henry Hulme
being the rector of the local university, there were obviously a lot of
university people we could talk to professors, students-who worked with
him. Hilda Hulme was also quite a public figure. They were, in some
respects, the royalty of Christchurch, because the English class system
was and still does exist down there, and they all take these things
quite seriously.There used to be garden and tennis parties at Ilam, and
there were a lot of people who had social contact with the parents and
Juliet at the time.
The research actually carried on through the shooting of the film. I
remember when we were in England, auditioning actresses for the part of
Juliet before we found Kate Winslet, and we found out that [the late]
Anthony Quayle, the English actor, had actually visited the Hulmes in
Christchurch in the '50s, so we tracked down his wife and spoke with
her. The research just kept on going all the time. We had trips to
Christchurch to do our research, but once we started working on the
film, we moved there
for nearly five months, so it was an ideal opportunity to find others.
We'd hear things about this person who had sat next to Pauline in
typing class, and we'd rush around to see them.
I'm sure the production got a certain amount of notice in the local
media, so people probably approached you.
PJ: To an extent, but not as much as what we had hoped. Pauline's
people were actually quite difficult to research, because they just
weren't public; they were quite private people.
FW: We have heard, subsequently, that Pauline's sister, Wendy, has seen
the film. She still lives in Christchurch. Her con meets were that the
film managed to capture the atmosphere of her home at that time, but
her criticism was that the family was "better" than that, we had
portrayed them in too shabby a light. And that really touched me.
PJ: She thought that the portrayal of the tension between Pauline and
her mother was very accurate. It was nice, because Wendy is one of the
few key people alive who refuses to talk about it. She absolutely
refuses to have anything to do with journalists, with anyone, so it was
actually very sweet of her to get the message back to us. It was quite
amazing to us that she had even gone to see this film. She thought it
was good, but incredibly difficult to watch.
In gathering all of this material, I'm sure there were certain things
that didn't "fit" dramatically. Was there anything you were tempted to
use but didn't, because it was either too sensationalistic or too
ethically questionable?
PJ: There was one area we deliberately steered clear of that we felt
ultimately didn't have a relation to what we were wanting to tell, and
that was that in the Rieper household there was actually a younger
sister, named Rosemary, who had Down's syndrome, who is still alive;
Wendy still looks after her. At the time of the murder, Rosemary was
only 8 years old. This made Honora's life all the more difficult: the
daughter lived in a special home, and would come home on the weekends.
Pauline writes about Rosemary a lot in her diaries; she was very fond
of her. But it was one area where we felt that we were being too
invasive into the privacy of this family.
As you say, there was quite a bit of stuff we had to leave out for
structural reasons. Pauline's diaries are very, very funny. We ended up
using a lot of the more dramatic material in the movie, in the scenes
in which she's talking about murder and suicide, but unfortunately we
had to leave a lot of the funny things out. She records hilarious
conversations that she and Juliet had, and it's all very witty.
Sometimes we used diary entries and just dramatized them, as opposed to
using a voiceover. Like the sequence where they go into the Fourth
World, where the hilltop changes into a magical landscape. That is
described in detail in the diary. So it was a case of having to be very
selective, and at the end of the day, it was the more dramatic
selections that made it through to the movie rather than the funnier
stuff.
The girls ' sense of humor does manage to come through in the film,
though. I'm thinking, for instance, of the last scene in the Rieper
house, when the family is having lunch with Juliet before the two girls
and HONORA
go to Victoria Park. Were their snide comments about Sir Edmund Hillary
in the diary, or were they invented by the two of you?
FW: That was out of our imagination. We were told that they were
extremely jolly at that last meal-it was actually in the court records-
and that they were cracking jokes, and saying silly, outrageous things,
on a sort of giggly high. And we knew that Wendy had worked at
Farmer's, the localdepartment store, and also what had been very big in
the news that year was Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, climbing
Mt. Everest. He had been knighted, and became a huge national hero; he
still is. Because he'd also spent time in Christchurch, we felt that
this was an appropriate thing for
them to send up, because whatever they did, they were terribly
irreverent. If the Queen was visiting, for example, they wouldn't
bother to go out unless it was to take note of the decorations, the
pomp and ceremony, to enrich one of their own royal celebrations. They
really had no respect for the icons of the day; their interior world
was much more important to them.
The film critic for Time, Richard Corliss, likened you to a "physician
who assumes a patients fever in order to understand her illness." At
what point did you two decide that this was going to have to be
presented from the girls' point of view?
PJ: I think from the beginning. That was one of the motivations for
doing it. None of the accounts we came across were from the girls'
point of view. Like we'd said before, they all had other agendas, so we
felt that telling the girls' story was important. It did take us a long
time to be able to do that, because it took us a long time to learn who
they were, and what was driving them. We were a bit confused-there was
a bit of mystery at the beginning-but the more we read, the more we
talked to people, we gradually began to formulate who these people
were. Ultimately, there was a lot of Pauline that I could recognize in
myself, which was very useful.
You, too, Fran?
FW: I felt that the diary: offered the first insight into the
friendship, and into Pauline in particular. It was an extremely
interesting account of her life, documenting both dramatic and mundane
events with a great deal of literary flair. She was a very imaginative,
funny and clever young woman who had some quite pretentious ideas, as
teenagers do, and I warmed toward her immediately. Reading the diary
made me wonder about the huge discrepancies between this young woman
and the monster who was portrayed in the newspaper accounts and
everything else. And I thought it would be great to take that journey
to find out who she was. Because no diary of Juliet's survived-we have
heard from people that she did keep a diary, but it was destroyed-I
thought it would be harder to get to know her, but that really wasn't
the case, because she appeared to be someone who more readily shared
her life with people; she was much more of a social creature than
Pauline. So it was a combination of the private world that they shared
and the understanding that we got from talking to their school friends,
inparticular, that gave us insight into the nature of these two girls
and the way they appeared to the rest of the world.
I think it's fair to say that both Peter and I felt hugely sympathetic
toward Pauline and Juliet, and we did start to identify and empathize
with them, all the while trying to keep in balance the knowledge of
this terrible act. It was that dynamic, of really liking them, but
feeling abhorrence at what they'd done, that kept the thing alive for
so long in our minds, and gave the film inner life.
Peter, your camera work, in all of the films you've directed, is
extremely dynamic. In 'Heavenly Creatures,' the almost hyperactive
camera seems to have an organic relationship to the girls' euphoric
state. I've noticed in this script that a lot of these camera
directions are written in, with more detail than most other screenplays
I've read. Do all of your scripts read like this?
PJ: In this particular screenplay, camera movement came quite readily
during the writing stages. At the end of the day, the script is not the
document we want to go out and sell; it's the document that the cast
and crew have to read. When we write a script intended for me to
direct, it's right from the beginning a shooting script; a document for
technicians to use. You know, the grips put a circle around the word
"DOLLY" so they remember on that particular day of shooting they're
going to have to have it on the truck. With this movie, probably more
than any other I've done, the camera moves were integral to the
scriptwriting. I'll tell you where that came from: the music. We read
very early in our research that Pauline and Juliet were both obsessed
with Mario Lanza. Neither of us were familiar with his music, so we
went out and got some of his records, and before we started writing we
played through them and came across several songs that we really liked.
One of the very first ones we heard was "The Donkey
Serenade"- FW: Well, we knew that was important to them because Pauline
had named one of her novels "The Donkey Serenade."
PJ: When we heard it, just the life and vitality in the song
immediately indicated Steadicam. [laughs] It immediately told you you
had to have a moving camera. We chose all the songs that were in the
movie, and, in the case of "The Donkey Serenade," wrote scenes around
them. I found it a great visual tool. It's never happened before in
anything I've done-I mean, I've never had the music in advance. We had
these songs playing while we were working to get ourselves psyched up
to write a scene. At the same time, the music helped me visualize, so
that visualization ended up going down on the page. Of course, once you
actually arrive on the set, and you have the actors and the camera
people there, things can change. I don't regard anything that's written
into a script in terms of a camera direction asbeing locked in stone.
How long did it take the two of you to finish a first draft?
PJ: Not really long. I think the first draft was written in probably 10
or 12 weeks. But we didn't start to write until we'd uncovered several
months' worth of research.
And the draft we're publishing is the shooting script?
PJ: Yeah. I think that's about draft number five. We did an interesting
thing. We did a certain amount of research first, while we were still
working on Braindead [Dead Alive in U.S.], and then we wrote the first
draft from the position where we felt we knew some of the facts, but
there were a lot of gaps. We thought if we wrote a draft we would know
where the holes were, and we would know what we had to pursue in terms
of research. For instance, Fran and I had never been down to
Christchurch when we wrote this first draft, and Christchurch is such
an integral part of the story. Then we made the trip down there before
the second draft and were able to modify a lot of things, interview lot
more people. We actually did that on purpose, because we wanted to nail
the story before overlaying it with a lot of historical detail.
How do the two of you handle writing collaboratively?
PJ: Well, it depends. You know, if Fran's working on some re-writes
while we're shooting, and I'm on the set, she'll show me some work that
she's done when I come home and we'll revise it together, but
generally, when we're actually writing the initial drafts of the
script, it's always together.
I think that we both have a good understanding of structure, which
helps, and I'm obviously very visually oriented, and Fran is very good
on dialogue and character, so we complement each other quite well. I
think the best advantage that we have in writing scripts together is
that we write a script that I go and make, which is, I think, a
wonderful thing. It would be a strange experience for us to write a
script that someone else was going to make, because we've never
actually experienced that loss of control that so many other writers
have. So right from the very beginning, it's a movie. It's not a piece
of writing that's going to go out to the marketplace and may or may not
sell.
Just one little thing. Even though Heavenly Creatures was very much
written by the two of us, my favorite scene in the movie was written by
Fran by herself.
Which one is that?
PJ: Well, it was late one night, and we were hoping to finish the first
draft of the script-it was, like, ten o'clock already-and we had
arrived at the sequence in the tearooms where they're having their last
cup of tea before they walk down the track. We sat there wondering how
on earth we were going to write this scene. We knew they'd actually
gone there to have tea because we'd spoken to this very elderly woman
who had served them. She said they were talking quite calmly to one
another. But what dialogue do you put in their mouths at this
particular moment, when this woman's about to be murdered? Well, the
phone rang, and I got up to answer it and ended up stuck on this call
for about 45 minutes, and I came back and Fran had written something.
She asked me to check it out, and it was never revised: it's where she
slides the plate with the last cake over to Honora, and says, "Go on,
Mother, treat yourself." It was perfect.
I know you found Kate Winslet at an audition in England. How did you
come across Melanie Lynskey, who played Pauline? I understand she was
not a professional actress.
PJ: Well, it's one of those stories that sounds like it's not true. We
wanted to cast someone in New Zealand, and we'd auditioned a lot of
people-five or six hundred-who were either videotaped or photographed.
I wanted to find someone who was young, around 1S or 16 years old; I
didn't want a 23-year-old in a school uniform. And we wanted someone
who was physically very much like the original Pauline; I have a thing
about being as accurate as possible. So we quickly exhausted the
professional actors in New Zealand who happened to look like Pauline-
there's only about one or two. [laughs] We knew we were looking for
someone with no experience, but we just had to find them. We kept
saying, "Somewhere in New Zealand there's somebody who's perfect for
this role."We were actually about four weeks away from beginning
shooting, and we had one or two people on the short list, neither of
whom we were happy with, but we were coming under enormous pressure to
cast one of them, because, you know, the wardrobe department needed to
make costumes, and so
on, and Fran said to me, "You're not really happy with the choices, are
you?" And I said, "No." And she said, "This is crazy; we've spent all
this time and energy on this film and we haven't found Pauline. This is
something close to a major tragedy." I was in Christchurch, so Fran
decided to drive with a casting person around the lower half of the
North Island of New Zealand-she was prepared to drive as far as she had
to. They'd visit every small town, go to the local school, visit the
principal's office and show a photo of Pauline Parker. She'd say,
"We're making a movie about Pauline Parker; do you have any pupils in
your school who resemble her who might be interested in this?"
FW: We were in a rusting Ford Cortina, and we had no official I.D. We'd
roll up to these provincial schools, and we'd be greeted by some
curious teacher. Although no one ever once questioned our authenticity,
we would always get asked about the car: "If you're in films, why
aren't you driving
a Porsche?" [both laugh] So then I would pitch the story to the entire
classroom, scanning the room the whole time, looking for sullen,
brooding school girls, all the while thinking, "What would she look
like with her hair dyed black?"
PJ: I guess that went on for about a week. Every night I'd get a call
from Fran. Anyone that was vaguely appropriate was videotaped, and I
got a couple of tapes in Christchurch, and it was a bit depressing.
Finally, Fran called from a small town called New Plymouth, and said,
"I think I've found someone very interesting. ' And this was Mel. We
flew her down to Christchurch and gave her an audition and a screen
test, and we cast her two weeks before the film started shooting. I
called her mother up on a Friday night and said, "I'd really like
Melanie to do the film." And she said, "When does she have to start?"
And I said, "Well, she's got to come down here on Sunday." The poor
girl didn't even get a chance to go back to school to clean out her
locker.
Do you think there was any correspondence between the two actresses and
their backgrounds and those of the characters they were playing?
PJ: One of the things that we knew about Pauline was that she was
incredibly witty and intelligent, and Melanie was very similar-she was
the top student in her province in many subjects. And we knew if we
cast an intelligent person, then they were going to hit it. Melanie's
also very enigmatic. The character of Pauline doesn't have an enormous
amount of dialogue. In a sense, the real Pauline Parker speaks for her,
through the diaries. So what we were looking for was an actress who has
that kind of aspect to her that's a real movie-star thing: where you
can film somebody sitting in a room, doing nothing, and they're still
fascinating to watch. We found that in Mel.
I've read that you used actual locations for some of this.
PJ: As much as we could. The only location we couldn't use was
Pauline's house, which had been torn down. Fortunately, the school is
now a community center; the actual school moved to a different
location, so they no longer had control over the buildings; otherwise
we'd have definitely been refused
permission. The school buildings are now owned by the Christchurch City
Council, which has done nothing to them; they're as they were 40 years
ago. They just rent out the various rooms to community groups. We found
out what classroom Pauline and Juliet actually were in, and it was the
Canterbury
Women's Embroidery Guild-it sounds like something out of Monty Python-
and we went into the room and right down one length of the wall was
this huge tapestry that had been stretched out on this massive frame. I
thought they would never want to take it down, but we managed to get
them to do it. So that was the actual classroom where they were, down
to the seating.The Ilam house, where Juliet lived, is still there. It's
owned by the university, and they were very happy for us to use it. As
for the doctor's surgery, where Pauline is interviewed by the doctor,
we found out the address, and-you know, this is 40 years later, so you
have no idea what to expect-it was just, like, a suburban house. We
thought that was strange, in that it didn't seem like a doctor's
office. Anyway, we knocked on the door, and the woman who answered
happened to be the doctor's daughter-the doctor's long since dead-and
we asked her where her father's office had been, and she said, "Oh, he
had rooms out the back of the house here; we've never really touched
them." We went into this doctor's surgery which was almost exactly the
same as it had been 40 years before. So we ended up filming those
sequences in the actual room where Pauline was interviewed by the
doctor.We also spoke to the woman who was working at the tearooms at
Victoria Park and found out exactly where they sitting, and filmed that
scene there. Actually, about two months later, that building was
demolished.
And what about the murder scene?
PJ: Well, we went to the murder site, and we just felt uncomfortable
about filming there. It was very strange, and maybe it was just our
imagination, but it was very quiet, very tranquil. I mean, all the way
down the path you hear the wind and the birds, and suddenly, when you
arrive at the spot, you hear nothing. So we filmed the murder scene at
Victoria Park, but it was on a different track, about a hundred yards
away.
There is one sequence of scenes in this script which didn't appear in
the film. it begins with the tennis party at Ilam, in which Pauline and
Juliet are watching from behind some shrubbery as Walter Perry and
Hilda Hulme play tennis.
PJ: Well, that sequence was actually shot, and exists in the version of
the film that was screened here in New Zealand. When Miramax released
the film in the U.S., they had screenings and felt that the film was
too long. We had final control over the film, but they pleaded with us
to take out about 10 minutes' worth of footage, convinced that it would
be tighter. We looked at it, and we actually, ultimately, agreed with
them in a funny sort of way. That sequence slows the momentum down.
It's quite a fun one to
read-and it's fun in the film as well-but it does slow things down at a
point where we didn't think things should be slowing down. Although
we've had control over the film's release all over the world, we've
requested that the sequence be cut out of the versions screened in
every other country. When you're writing a script, a part of you
thinks, "Oh, this is perfect, we mustn't change a word of it," but once
it's finished it takes a life of its own. We felt that the sequence
wasn't telling us anything wedidn't already know about the characters,
and at a time where the tension in Pauline's house was really growing,
going over to Juliet's house to watch a tennis game was not necessary.
FW: I think when we wrote the script we felt it was very much Pauline
and Juliet's story. After the edit, however, it became very evident to
us that it was Pauline's story which was the through line and the
audience's focal point. Whenever we veered too much into telling the
Hulme story and Pauline wasn't on the screen, the pace started to flag.
That was something we had to look at after the first assembly-we had to
trim and cut Hulme scenes because they weren't as fundamentally
interesting as the Rieper scenes.
Although this film is very different from Braindead, both take place in
the New Zealand of the 1950s. I'm not that familiar with your country,
but from watching these two films I would have to assume that it was,
at least in that period, a fairly repressive kind of society, acting
almost as a breeding ground for transgression, for explosive kinds of
behavior.
PJ: Well, the script for Braindead was set in the modern day up until
the very last minute. I was worried going into the movie that the hero
of the film, named Lionel, acted in a fairly nerdy kind of way-he
doesn't socialize, he takes care of his mother-and yet we wanted him to
be the empathetic character in the film. I was afraid that if it was
set in the modern day, the audience-especially a young audience-would
really jeer at this character, and not be able to relate to him at all.
If we set it inthe '50s, people might actually feel more sympathy for
him, because they would think, "Well, that sort of thing happened
then." With Heavenly Creatures, it was really just a coincidence that
the actual event had taken place then.
FW: But that repression is still very much in evidence here: we're I
not expressive, we're not demonstrative, we're scared of showing,
saying too much. When you go to New York, for instance, and people are
yelling and the horns are blaring-if that happened here, someone would
get out of theircar, rip open your door and bash you up. There's a
level of violence, a subtext of violence, running through New Zealand
society that comes out in our movies. We have a veneer of being
easygoing, but underneath, we're full of rage. It's an interesting
social dynamic. and it makes for interesting art, but it's not so
pleasant to actually live in it. It's very much to do with a link with
England- PJ: Christchurch in particular.
FW: Christchurch suffers from it more than any other city in New
Zealand. It's always been described as "a little piece England"; it's
considered to be more English than England. It's always aspired to be
that, and it still is in some ways.
PJ: The thing with this murder, too, is that the sense you when you
talk to the older generation in Christchurch is that it was an
embarrassment to the city, that it was somehow shameful and somehow
humiliating. Which is ridiculous, because the story is ultimately a
family tragedy.
FW: It's been said that Christchurch was more appalled by revelation
that Pauline's parents were not married than by the murder itself. And
some uncharitable souls even suggested that one sinful act led on to
the other.
Speaking generally about your films, you both seem to have a certain
love of campiness, which is apparent in the use of caricatures for many
characters, as well as in an overall sort of extremism reminiscent of
the work of someone like John Waters here in the U.S. What's
interesting about Heavenly Creatures is that while it remains a
fundamentally "realistic" docudrama, some of the figures of authority,
like the doctor, the vicar and the headmistress, are hilariously
overplayed.
PJ: Well, I like movies to be entertaining, to be a little larger than
life. With something like Braindead, obviously there's no problem doing
that. But with 'Heavenly Creatures,' we were telling what we hoped
would be a fairly accurate story. At the same time, however, I still
wanted to make a movie; I didn't want something totally tied to real
life, and totally dull. So we did have a little bit of fun with some of
those characters. I guess if you were trying to justify it you could
say we were presenting them from the girls' point of view, but that's
not strictly true. I just think that there were really only two people
who we needed to be realistic with, and they were Juliet and Pauline,
both of whom were slightly larger than life anyway. That's something
that came across in the interviews with their classmates. They were
remembered as being sort of terrifying: Juliet was so confident and
loud, and Pauline was brooding and dark. So, in a sense, the film was a
perfect one for us. I don't Like doing stuff that's totally
naturalistic. I just like having a little bit of fun.
The fantasy sequences are written pretty much as they appeared on film.
Were you aware of how, technically, you were going to handle these
special effects as you were writing?
PJ: Pretty much. We hadn't used any optical or digital effects in
Braindead, and with Heavenly Creatures, I knew that if I actually wrote
digital effects into the script, then it was a great excuse to go out
and get this new equipment-I have my own special effects company. So
right at the beginning we wrote stuff that could only be done with
morphing. We got one computer and hired someone to figure out how it
all worked.
What about your use of the Plasticine figures? Was that something you'd
heard the girls were interested in?
PJ: Yeah, we interviewed several people who remembered that they used
to model figures in Plasticine, and I think HERBERT
Rieper refers to it in his court testimony. We also interviewed an old
guy who had been round to the Hulme's place and had seen Juliet's
Plasticine horses on the mantelpiece.
And, of course, there are endless passages in the diaries about
Borovnia, and Diello, the murderous prince and all of that. When we
thought it would be fun right at the beginning to go into some of these
fantasy sequences, the last thing I wanted to do was dress up actors in
medieval costumes and
crowns and have them looking like something out of a school play. So we
decided it would be really fun to tie the Plasticine figures and
Borovnia together. And we knew they'd sculpted figures like Diello, so
we just thought, why not have those figures come to life, as it were.
What about the linking of certain actors to certain figures, like Orson
Welles to Diello?
PJ: Well, that was something that we devised ourselves. But again, that
springs from the fact that the girls used to give pet names to people.
Like one of the boarders in the diary, for instance, is referred to as
John for a while, and then his name changed to Nicholas.
That's referred to in the scene in Pauline's sleepout.
PJ: Yeah, and for some reason, Pauline refers to him as Nicholas in the
rest of her diary. That happened with a lot of people. They were
clearly using real, live people as prototypes for some of their fantasy
characters. We figured that Diello had a lot of qualities that they
seemed to fear in Orson Welles. He seemed to represent some sort of
dark, sexual force, so we figured that giving his features to the
figure of Diello was appropriate.
Could you talk about the fact that, during production, Anne Perry, the
mystery writer, was "outed " as being Juliet Hulme?
FW: Well, where do you start? We knew that would be a possible outcome
of making this film-that someone might try and track down either
Pauline or Juliet. Which was a very good reason not to make the movie.
We had more compelling reasons to make the film, however, because if we
didn't, anotherone was going to get made anyway. There were, at the
time the film was being funded, five competing projects in various
states of preparation.
Didn't Dustin Hoffman have something in the works?
FW: His company, Punch Productions, I believe, had a script written by
an American writer; Peter had, in fact, been very tentatively
approached to read it, that was how we found out about it. At that
point we were about a week away from starting to shoot. And then
someone was trying to do a film version of the play we've already
spoken of, and other people were developing a very politicized lesbian
version of the story. Then there'd been a screenplay written by the
late English novelist, Angela Carter, that was with a production
company in Auckland, and there was someone in Australia developing a
screenplay. So we knew that this story was going to come to the screen,
soon-there was no doubt someone was going to make it. And we felt that,
in that climate, we would proceed, despite the possibility that these
women might be exposed.We knew that in Pauline's case it was less
likely. We'd heard a lot of rumor and gossip about Juliet, but we'd
heard nothing about Pauline, and I think she has very carefully hidden
her identity. Juliet went to no such trouble: she took her stepfather's
name-Hilda Hulme ended up marrying Walter Perry-as a novelist, and
proceeded to write a series of crime novels. You can look up any
contemporary author index in any library, and there is Anne Perry, and
her birthdate is the same as Juliet Hulme's, her mother's maiden name
is the same, etc. There is a gap in her personal history, where she
leaves out New Zealand, but it picks up again after she left the
country. So it didn't take a huge amount of detective work from the
journalist here in New Zealand who had heard that Anne Perry and
JulietHulme were one and the same.
That rumor sprang from a production of the play that had gone on here a
year before we started shooting, where a friend of Juliet's, who was
still writing to her, confided in one of the actors that Juliet Hulme
was now writing murder mysteries as Anne Perry. That rumor hew around
the acting community here in New Zealand, and it reached our ears on
the set, and it was something that we wanted to entirely disassociate
ourselves from, because we knew it would damage the film, and we knew
it would damage us. It was inevitable that we would be accused of
exploiting this woman's situation in order to promote the movie. When
this journalist rang Peter and asked what comment he had about the
story, he just begged her not to print it. Of course that was a
hopeless situation, because she was a tabloid hack who was going to go
ahead and make her name, and she has dined off it ever since. We felt
an enormous amount of dread, because the movie hadn't had a chance to
stand on its own before this was made known, and it's now been
inextricably linked with this revelation. So we've been battling that
ever since. But given that it's happened, we've had to deal with it, as
she has.
PJ: I mean, we were absolutely disgusted by some of the ads Miramax
ran. On the day that this was released in America, I rang Miramax and
said, "For heaven's sake, don't associate this film with any of this
because we don't approve of this publicity." And a couple of months
later, lo and behold, we
get sent by a friend in the States clippings with these ads saying,
"Murder, She Wrote," and these other references to Anne Perry that
Miramax had been running, and we were just very, very angry.
Did you fever consider using the coordinates of the actual event, but
changing enough of the particulars to push it into the fictional realm?
PJ: No, because the case is so well-known in New Zealand; it would be
like-
FW: Fictionalizing the O.J. Simpson case.
PJ: It's unnecessary. I mean, sure, if it was just a movie for
international consumption, then, yeah. But the fact is that we weren't
actually making this film for an international audience. We were very
much
making it to try and rectify 40 years of misunderstanding about this
case within New Zealand. In a way that was our main motivation for
making the film, and in doing that, we obviously had to use their real
names. But having said that, "Pauline Parker" and "Juliet Hulme" ceased
to exist as people in 1959, because they both took different names. In
a sense, I don't think there was any moral problem with using those
names, because they themselves stopped using them some 30-odd years
ago.
Were there any other films you looked at as inspiration before writing
this?
FW: Well, we looked at movies like Let Him Have It, which was based on
the Craig/Bentley murder case in England [Bentley was an 18-year-old
with a low I.Q. who was hanged for murder]. Although I think that film
has quite a lot of merit, in the end it comes across as a grim, dark,
true-life murder
story, and similarly Dance with a Stranger, which was about Ruth Ellis
[the last woman to be hanged in England]. We felt that if there was one
thing we didn't want to do, it was to make a depressing murder film. We
really wanted to tell a tale of a friendship, rather than a murder
story. Sure, the movie ends with a murder, but for the most part, it
celebrates friendship.
PJ: We wanted to make it a lot funnier than those films. And people
have said, "It's such a serious subject; why did you try to make it
funny?" Well, obviously the murder wasn't funny, and we never attempted
to make it funny, but the friendship was funny. Life is funny:
generally, human beings
like to enjoy themselves, and there was no doubt that Pauline and
Juliet had a hell of a good time, most of the time.
FW: But the other reason why it was important that we tell this as a
true story is that it has a kind of universal truth for anybody growing
up. When you're at that age, you become very focused on things in an
extreme way. And I don't think Pauline and Juliet are so very different
from anybody else; I think several things went wrong in their lives-
Juliet's parents broke up, and Pauline became very alienated from her
family (she was an obsessional manic-depressive character)-and I think
it was this terriblecombination of things that led to this
extraordinarily horrible act. But it's not something that can be
precluded from anybody's experience in growing up. Adolescence is such
a crazy time.
PJ: A lot of women have come up to us and said, "I was Pauline. That
was me. That was my childhood." I don't think it's that unusual. I
think what is unusual about the whole thing is that these aspects of
Pauline's character led to the murder, and I don't think the sort of
person she was was particularly unusual or freakish or weird. When we
hear things like that, it's the best possible endorsement we could get.
(Tod Lippy conducted this interview over the telephone with Frances
Walsh and Peter Jackson, who were at their home in Wellington, New
Zealand.)